Reducing the volume of polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution to less than 2 liters for bowel preparation

Smaller volumes of polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG), an oral whole-bowel irrigation solution employed in colorectal preparation, were given to patients to decrease the discomfort associated with pretreatment. Comparison was made between groups receiving standard and modified preparations. A total of 68 patients (gastrointestinal surgery: 55; total colonoscopy: 13) were enrolled in the study. The mean volume of PEG used was significantly smaller in the modified than in the standard preparation (1,694 ml vs. 2,735 ml, p<0.01). In addition, the mean PEG administration period was significantly shorter for the modified preparation (183 min vs. 237 min, p<0.05). However, the mean PEG excretion time and the number of bowel movements were not significantly different between the two groups. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the efficacy, safety, usefulness, or tolerability of the preparations. These results suggest that it is possible to reduce the PEG volume by more than 1 L to alleviate patient discomfort without a significant loss of efficacy. The modified method is useful for preparing the large bowel for either gastrointestinal surgery or total colonoscopy.