Elsevier

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Volume 47, Issue 2, February 1998, Pages 167-171
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Prospective, randomized, controlled comparison of the use of polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution in four-liter versus two-liter volumes and pretreatment with either magnesium citrate or bisacodyl for colonoscopy preparation,☆☆,

Presented at the sixty-second annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, November 1997, Chicago, Illinois.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-5107(98)70351-7Get rights and content

Abstract

Background: Laxative pretreatment decreases the volume of polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) required for colonoscopy without compromising preparation quality. We compared the use of 4 L of PEG-ELS with the use of 2 L plus a laxative. Methods: One hundred fifty consecutive patients (148 men) undergoing outpatient colonoscopy were randomly selected for one of three preparations (Prep 1: 4 L PEG-ELS; Prep 2: 2 L PEG-ELS plus 296 mL magnesium citrate 1 hour prior; Prep 3: 2 L PEG-ELS plus bisacodyl 20 mg). Endoscopists were blinded as to the type of preparation. Results: Colonoscopy times were 37, 33, and 29.5 minutes (p = 0.02). Satisfaction scores (0 to 11) during preparation were 2.75, 1.84, and 2.54 (p = 0.05). Preparation times were 519, 397, and 379 minutes (p < 0.001). Preparation satisfaction scores (0 to 10) were 6.2, 7.7, and 7.4 (p < 0.001). Endoscopists' scores of preparation quality (1 to 10) were 7.3, 7.8, and 8.1 (p = 0.03). Volumes of liquid stool aspirated were 181, 103, and 90 mL (p < 0.001). Twenty-four patients receiving Prep 2 and 16 receiving Prep 3 had previous colonoscopy using full volume PEG-ELS; 88% who received Prep 2 and 56% who received Prep 3 preferred the newer preparation (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Two liters of PEG-ELS plus laxative improved preparation quality and patient satisfaction and reduced preparation time. Magnesium citrate pretreatment had fewer symptoms and was preferred to bisacodyl. PEG-ELS in 2 L quantities could reduce costs, and consideration should be given to making it available commercially. (Gastrointest Endosc 1998;47:167-71)

Section snippets

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial. All consecutive patients referred for outpatient colonoscopy were considered eligible for the study. Hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy, and those with previous colon or rectal surgery were excluded. Patients were randomly chosen to receive one of three preparations. “Prep 1” consisted of ingestion of 4 L of PEG-ELS (Colyte; Schwarz Pharma, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.) alone starting at 4 p.m. on the day before the

Results

One hundred fifty consecutive patients (148 men, mean age 62 years ± 11.4 [SD], range 28 to 85 years) were enrolled. Fifty-nine patients were randomized to Prep 1, 45 to Prep 2, and 46 to Prep 3. Patients were well matched with respect to age, race, prior abdominal surgery, prior colonoscopy, indications for colonoscopy, and findings at colonoscopy. All patients tolerated the preparations and examination well. Sleep on the night of the preparation was described as “same as usual” by 76.3%,

Discussion

Colonoscopy is customarily performed in an outpatient setting under conscious sedation. Its success depends on the adequacy of preparation of the colon. Either PEG-ELS or sodium phosphate solution is usually used for this purpose. Both preparations have their limitations. The large volume of PEG-ELS required is not well tolerated by some patients, thereby resulting in inadequate intake and poor quality of preparation.11 Efforts to improve acceptability have mainly focused on enhancing the taste

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From the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Dorn Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, University of South Carolina at Columbia.

☆☆

Reprint requests: V. K. Sharma, MD, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, 2 Medical Park, Suite 507A, Columbia, SC 29203-6808.

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