Comparison of whole-gut irrigation with golytely (GOL) and with a balanced electrolyte solution (BES) as preparation...

The cleansing results of whole-gut irrigation with golytely (GOL) or with a balanced electrolyte solution (BES) were compared in otherwise unprepared patients. In one study 30 patients were randomly prepared either with 4 l GOL or with BES till a clear rectal effluent was obtained. Only 4/15 patients prepared with GOL, as compared with all 15 prepared with BES, had good or excellent cleansing results. In a second study, both solutions were infused in a double blind manner in 40 patients till rectal effluent was clear. No significant differences in the amount of fluid needed, the duration of lavage or degree of cleansing was found. However, significantly less fluid retention occurred with GOL.