A water-soluble alternative to simethicone for gastrointestinal endoscopy: Results of a clinical trial

Author(s): Teri Mallard

Simethicone has been used for years during Endoscopy procedures as a defoaming agent to improve visualization of the GI tract, but leaves a residue in the scope and impacts drying.  In 2018, Olympus scope manufacturing issued a letter stating they do not recommend using simethicone or other non-water-soluble additives due to fluid retention, risk of biofilm formation and bacterial growth in the scope. This recommendation was in alignment with all other scope manufactures. Simethicone is insoluble in water, alcohol, and high-level disinfectant.