Mucosal visibility during gastroscopy: Comparison between simethicone and simethicone+N- acetylcysteine+sodium bicarbonate

Aims Gastric and esophageal cancers are significant healthcare pron=blems worldwide with almost 1700000 new cases in years 2020. In 2021, Mongolia ranks 1st in stomach cancer incidence and mortality, 2nd in esophageal cancer incidence, and 3rd in mortality. Mucosal views can be impaired by residual bubbles and mucus during gastroscopy. We aimed to determine whether a pre-gastroscopy drink containing simethicone and simethicone+N- acetylcysteine+sodium bicarbonate, which one can improve more mucosal visualisation.

Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial recruiting 200 subjects undergoing routine gastroscopy. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to recieve: Group A- simethicone; Group B – simethicone+N- acetylcysteine+sodium bicarbonate. Mucosal visibility rated by a 4-point scale (1-best, 4-worst). Primary outcome measure was mean mucosal visibility score (MVS).

Results Group A- MVS were 2.38, Group B-MVS were 1.52. In Group A, 38% of subjects scored 3 point (some mucosa/ bubles partially obscuring views of the mucosa). In Group B, 52% of subjects scored 1 point (no adherent mucus and clear viewa of the mucosa). Mean MVS for Group B was significantly better than Group A (P<0.0000).

Conclusions A pre-gastroscopy drink containing simethicone+N- acetylcysteine+sodium bicarbonate significantly improves mucosal visibility during gastroscopy. Prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
27. März 2025