[Electrolyte solution with polyethylene glycol to cleanse the colon for colonoscopy or enema]

The efficacy and safety of an electrolyte-polyethylene glycol solution (SE-PEG) for colonic lavage, was compared with standard bowel preparation (SBP) in a randomized blinded study of volunteers and patients undergoing colonoscopy and barium enema examination. Side effects, biochemical and hematologic changes and quality of examinations were monitored. Colonoscopy and barium enema was scored by colonic segment for type of residual stool and percentage of bowel wall visualized. For colonoscopy and barium enema, preparation with SE-PEG allowed better visualization and produced more optimal exams (8 vs 3; p less than 0.03) and (6 vs 4; p = NS) respectively. We conclude that colonic lavage with SE-PEG is an alternative bowel preparation method and is cheaper, more safe and effective than SBP procedure.