Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Preparation of the bowel before elective surgery using a polyethylene glycol solution at home and in hospital
S P Huddy1, Z Rayter, P P Webber
1Department of Surgery, Epsom District Hospital, Surrey, UK.
Abstract:
Bowel preparation by conventional methods is time-consuming and unpleasant for both patient and staff. In addition, it requires admission to hospital several days before surgery. Preparation using oral polyethylene glycol solution is more acceptable and can easily be adapted so that the patient can perform the procedure at home before admission to hospital. In a prospective series we have compared the efficacy of preparation at home using polyethylene glycol with similar preparation in hospital and with a standard bowel preparation based on magnesium sulphate. Preparation was better after polyethylene glycol and this was significant when performed at home (P less than 0.01). There was no effect on either electrolytes or haematological parameters, but polyethylene glycol did result in a rise in the number of colonic Streptococcus faecalis seen. This rise was not seen with magnesium sulphate (P less than 0.001).
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...

