Colonoscopy is an examination that helps to diagnose and prevent colon cancer, the second most common cause of death from cancer in Italy. This test requires adequate and specific preparation, which is very important for the successful outcome of the diagnostic test. Making a good intestinal preparation means having to have a colon in which the doctor can see all the possible alterations of the mucous membranes and if necessary to make an early diagnosis fundamental to detect this type of tumor. We talked about the new techniques of intestinal preparation used experimentally by Humanitas with Professor Alessandro Repici, Head of the Operative Unit of Digestive Endoscopy in Humanitas and Professor of Gastroenterology at Humanitas University.

A more simple preparation thanks to the concentrated liquid

“In cooperation with four other Italian centers, Humanitas is coordinating a new very important clinical study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a new laxative substance, with the great advantage of being compacted into a single liter, instead of two or three, and which can be taken separately, i.e. half a liter on the evening before the examination and the remaining half a liter on the morning of the examination – explained the specialist -. This means that it is easier to take and without the digestive effects that all patients tell us about”, concluded Prof. Repici.

The important of the preparatory phase

“Cleansing is very important because it means having a colon in which the doctor can see all the possible alterations of the mucous membranes and in some cases make an early diagnosis in case of cancer – explained Prof. Repici -. This part is often considered unpleasant by the patients because the day before they must take a certain amount of liquid, it is a laxative which taste may not be the best, which can also cause other annoyances such as the feeling of nausea or intolerance. Many patients often fail to complete the preparation, especially if it requires taking two, three or four liters of laxative fluid. That’s why we’re working on developing a simpler and less annoying procedure for the patients”.