J Med Assoc Thai 2010; 93 (8):892

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The Role of Liquid Simethicone in Enhancing Endoscopic Visibility Prior to Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Keeratichananont S Mail, Sobhonslidsuk A , Kitiyakara T , Achalanan N , Soonthornpun S

Background: Simethicone improves endoscopic visibility and diagnostic accuracy during colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy.
Nevertheless, there have been limited data on its usefulness in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of simethicone on enhancing endoscopic visibility in patients undergoing EGD.

Material and Method: 121 patients were randomized to take 2 ml of either liquid simethicone or placebo in 60 ml of water
at 15-30 minutes before EGD. The severity scores of foam and bubbles at the esophagus, stomach and duodenum were
compared.

Results: Simethicone improved endoscopic visibility by diminishing mean cumulative (6.83 + 2.4 vs. 11.05 + 2.6, p < 0.001)
and local scores of foam and bubbles at all areas, and decreased the number and timing of adjunctive simethicone washing
(17.5% vs. 74.1%, p < 0.001 and 0 vs. 19 seconds, p < 0.001). Simethicone increased endoscopist and patient satisfaction
significantly without having adverse effects.

Conclusion: Using simethicone before EGD enhances endoscopic visibility, reduces adjunctive simethicone washing and
increases endoscopist and patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Endoscopic visibility, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Simethicone

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