Colonoscopy.

New guidelines on gastrointestinal decontamination in overdose situations have been published. In cases of serious and potentially life-threatening intoxication, gastric lavage can be performed up to 1 hour after ingestion. It should not be considered as routine treatment. If a patient has ingested a potentially toxic amount of a poison which is known to be absorbed by charcoal, single-dose activated charcoal in powder form may be considered up to 1 hour after ingestion. After ingestion of a potentially lethal amount of a toxin that is travelling through the enterohepatic or entero-enteral circulation, multiple-dose activated charcoal can be considered. The efficacy of carbamazepine, theophylline, quinine, dapsone and phenobarbital has been proven. In the treatment of potentially life-threatening intoxications with sustained-release preparations or drug-filled packages, particularly after ingestion of substances that do not bind to activated charcoal, whole bowel irrigation can be considered. Only ifdefaecation is insufficient should administration of a laxative together with activated charcoal be considered.

Cathartics↗

PubMed2005

Constipation in paediatric oncology.

Constipation is a common problem encountered by many children during treatment for childhood cancer. It can be distressing and impact on the quality of life for the child. However, the advice and information they and their families receive can vary enormously. The clinical practice group (a subgroup of the paediatric oncology nurses forum (PONF)) decided to examine the management of constipation throughout the paediatric oncology units in the UK. This paper presents the findings and the subsequent action taken and highlights the need for further work.

Cathartics↗