Massachusetts General Hospital

New laxative-free colonoscopy shows promise

15/May/2012

If you're turning 50 or you're already there, colorectal screening is in your future. Although you would only have to be screened every 10 years (if no polyps are found), the prospect of getting prepped for procedure is a big turn-off for many. You've probably heard some of the horror stories about the pre-screening laxatives, the taste, the amount, the ensuing "cleansing."

But for those who are a little squeamish about all that liquid going in–and coming out, a new laxative free colonoscopy might be on the horizon. A study of 605 adults published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows this type of colonoscopy has promise.

Source: The Chart/CNN.com