DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2020.v08i05.019

Pages: 564-569

Background and study aim: The presence of air bubbles and foam in stomach and duodenum is a common problem during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to evalute the effectiveness of simethicone on enhancing endoscopic visibility in patients undergoing EGD. Patients and methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 129 patients referred for upper endoscopy who were premedicated 30 minutes before the procedure with 125 mg of simethicone or 3g of sugar as placebo. The primary outcome measure was the quality of mucosal visualization (Mucosal visibility score MVS). Results: Premedication by simethicone improved the endoscopic visibility by diminishing mean cumulative (9.39±0.57 vs 6.62±0.55, p < 0.002) and local scores of foam and bubbles at all areas. The simecthicone group also had a significantly shorter procedure time (206±16 sec vs 291±94 sec, p< 0.012). The rate of reported lesions was higher in simethicone group with a statical significance only in the fundus/body area. Simethicone increased endoscopist and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Using simethicone 30 minute before endoscopy significantly improved endoscopic visualization and shorten gastroscopy time.