A 10% mannitol solution effective for colonic preparation for X-ray.

Hydroelectrolytic changes, the time of action and complications induced by oral administration of 10 per cent mannitol solution in the colonic preparation for X-ray examination were examined. Twenty-six patients were examined using two different solution volumes: one liter in 15 patients and two liters in 11 patients. No significant biochemical changes were noted. X-ray study of the colon revealed an insufficient evacuation in 3.8 per cent, sufficient in 7.6 per cent, and good in 88.6 per cent of cases. In 6 per cent nausea and vomiting occurred, in 11.7 per cent abdominal distention, and in 7.6 per cent hypotension. This approach was well tolerated, particularly when one liter of the solution was used.