Efficacy and tolerability of low-volume (2 L) versus single- (4 L) versus split-dose (2 L + 2 L) polyethylene glycol bowel preparation for colonoscopy: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a low-volume (2-L) polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen for colonoscopy compared to single (4-L) or split-dose (2-L + 2-L) regimens.

METHODS

In-hospital patients who were candidates for colonoscopy were randomly assigned to: group 1 single-dose (PEG 4 L the day before the study, n = 60); group 2: split-dose (2 L the day before and 2 L on the day of the procedure, n = 61); and group 3: low-volume 2-L PEG solution (the day of the procedure, n = 59). A blinded evaluation of the quality of colonic preparation was assessed by the Boston bowel preparation scale.

RESULTS

Satisfactory bowel preparation of the right colon was more frequently reported for group 3 than for group 1 (70% vs 53%, P = 0.045), in the transverse colon it was 82% versus 69% (P = 0.032), and on the left side of the colon it was 80% versus 67.7% (P = 0.028). Compared to group 2, satisfactory bowel preparation in group 3 was similar in the transverse colon and left colon. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort were less frequent in patients of group 3. Patients in group 3 had fewer sleep disorders and fewer hours of sleep loss compared to patients in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preparation with 2 L caused less abdominal discomfort and fewer sleep disorders. The split dose had a better quality of preparation in the right colon. Both preparations were clearly better than the 4-L preparation.