[Comparative study between manitol 10% and polyethyleneglycol [corrected] in colonoscopic preparation in inpatients...

In search alternatives for colonoscopic preparation, we decided to compare the effectiveness, safety and tolerance of the use of 10% manitol with polyethyleneglycol.

A prospective, randomized and simple blind study was performed. Eighty consecutive inpatients were prospectively randomized to receive bowel preparation for elective colonoscopy with either 1 liter of 10% manitol (M Group, n=40) or 4 liters of polyethyleneglycol (PEG Group, n=40). Criteria of evaluation were quality of preparation, pre and post preparation laboratory seric test (sodium, potassium, osmolarity) and the presence of undesirable side effects during the preparation.

Both groups were comparable in age, sex and colonoscopic indications. There was no difference between both groups when evaluating the quality of preparation: good or excellent preparation of 87.5% (manitol Group) and 90% (PEG Group) (p=0.37). The frequency of adverse effects was minor in group manitol (30%) that in group PEG (42.5%), being the nausea the most frequent symptom in both groups. A slight increase in the levels of sodium, potassium and osmolarity serums was found in both groups, without statistical difference or clinical repercussion.

The preparation for colon cleansing with 10% manitol is as effective and safe, but better tolerated and accepted than preparation with PEG. 10% manitol would be a good alternative for colonoscopic preparation, specially for diagnostic procedures.