Introduction:

During upper digestive tract endoscopy, visibility of the gastric mucosa can be limited by adherent mucus and bubbles.

Objectives:

This is a study of visualization of the gastric mucosa and the number of washes needed to clear bubbles and foam from the gastric surface. The modified Kuo scale by Chang was used with patients medicated prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Materials and methods:

This is a descriptive and prospective study of 120 patients who were medicated with 400 mg (10cc) of 4% N-acetylcysteine plus 133.3 mg (2cc) of simethicone (Dimethylpolysiloxane) and 100 cc of warm water 20 minutes prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy from October to December 2016. Data were tabulated in Excel and frequencies and percentages were analyzed using the Epi Info statistical package from the Centers for Disease Control version 7.2 for Windows. Statistical significance was considered to be p <0.05.

Results:

The optimal score for total visibility of four was achieved 57 patients (47.50%). Thirty-six patients (30%) had scores of five points, ten patients (8.33%) had scores of six or seven points, six patients had scores of eight points (5%), and one patient (0.83%) had a score of nine points. There were no scores from 10 to 16. Hundred patients (83,3%) did not need additional washes with water to visualize the gastric mucosa, thirteen patients (10,83%) required less than 50 cc, and seven (5,83%) required more than 50 cc (p = 0.00).

Limitations:

This study was done by a single observer which could result in detection biases. Also, the sample is small.

Conclusions:

Administration of a solution of N-acetylcysteine ​​plus Simethicone diluted in 100 cc of warm water prior to upper digestive tract endoscopy provides for optimal visualization of the gastric mucosa in most cases. A smaller volume of water was needed to clear the gastric cavity of mucus and foam.

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