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Whole bowel irrigation should not be used routinely in the management of poisoned patients
  • Euan Sandilands
Euan Sandilands
NPIS Edinburgh & Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Whole bowel irrigation is a method of gastric decontamination in the poisoned patient involving administration of large volumes of osmotically balanced polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution to empty the gastrointestinal tract of ingested toxins before absorption, limiting systemic toxicity. While this approach may seem intuitive and it can lead to expulsion of tablets or packets in the rectal effluent, there is a lack of evidence correlating this with improved patient outcomes. Administration of whole bowel irrigation is also challenging to the inexperienced physician and associated with adverse effects, which may be serious. Recommendations for the consideration of whole bowel irrigation are limited to patients who have ingested modified release preparations, those of have ingested pharmaceuticals not adsorbed by activated charcoal, and for the removal of packages in body packers. Until more robust evidence is available from high-quality prospective studies demonstrating efficacy, the use of whole bowel irrigation should not be used routinely in poisoned patients.
30 Mar 2023Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
31 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
31 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
31 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Accept