A randomized controlled trial of a new PEG-electrolyte solution compared with a standard preparation for colonoscopy.

The efficacy, tolerability and patient acceptance of a new flavoured PEG solution for gut lavage was compared with a standard preparation for bowel cleansing in a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing colonoscopy. One hundred and sixty patients were randomly allocated either to a standard preparation (2-day semi-liquid diet, laxatives and cleansing enemas) or to gut lavage (fractionalized ingestion of lavage solution, two litres in the afternoon before and a third litre the morning of the examination). Adequacy of colon cleansing was scored evaluating residual stool in each colonic segment and overall mucosal visibility. Tolerability of methods was assessed by evaluating the incidence and severity of side-effects. Patient acceptance was graded (good, fair to good, poor) according to the patient's judgement about the ease of execution and interference with sleep and working activity. Less residual stool (p < 0.05) and better visualization of colonic mucosa (p < 0.05) were obtained with gut lavage than with standard preparation. Both methods were well-tolerated and a low incidence of side effects was recorded in both groups. Patient acceptance was good in more than 80% of patients in both groups. We conclude that gut lavage is a rapid, effective and well-tolerated method for bowel cleansing. The use of a flavoured solution in a fractionalized schedule seems to improve the tolerability and the patient acceptance of this method.