[The efficacy and tolerability of sugared polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy]

Although polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution is commonly used for colonoscopic bowel preparation because of its safety and effectiveness, its salty taste decreases patient's compliance. The aim of this study was to compare the sugared PEG solution with the standard PEG solution in regard to the quality of bowel preparation and patient's compliance.

From January through June in 2012, 100 patients who underwent colonoscopy in Gangneung Asan Hospital were prospectively enrolled. They were randomly assigned to receive either standard PEG solution or sugared PEG solution. The quality of bowel preparation was assessed by a doctor's questionnaire and the patient's compliance was assessed by a patient's questionnaire.

There was no significant difference in the quality of bowel preparation (4.2±2.0 vs. 4.1±1.5, p=0.783), and endoscopist's satisfaction score (8.2±1.8 vs. 8.5±1.3, p=0.253) between two groups. However, The degree of disgust was lower in the sugared PEG group than the standard PEG group (6.4±2.3 vs. 3.9±2.9, p=0.000). The willingness to repeat same regimen was higher in the sugared PEG group than the standard PEG group (2.0±0.6 vs. 2.3±0.7, p=0.004). There was no difference in side effects between two groups.

The sugared PEG solution as a bowel preparation method revealed a higher patient's compliance and was effective as the standard PEG solution. When the patient dislike the taste and saltness of the standard PEG solution, the sugared PEG solution will be good alternative method.