Abstract
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) is a new nonabsorbable and nonsecretory gut lavage solution; its effectiveness in preparation for colonoscopy is already reported in the Western nations. However, the preparation methods varied among reports. We tried to settle the most effective way of prearation with PEG-ELS. Seventy six connective patients were randomly assigned to the following three groups. In Group 1(n = 25), PEG-ELS was administered on the day of colonoscopy without dietary restriction on the previous day. In Group 2 (n = 26), it was administered on the previous night of the examination without dietary restriction. In group 3, PEG-ELS was administered after dietary restriction with low residue diet on the previous day. The bowel cleansing effect and patient acceptance were compared among the three groups. As a control group, 25 cases with Brown's regimen were used. The bowel cleansing effect was the following order : Group 1 > Group 3 > Group 2 > Brown's regimen. In group 1, however, large amount of fluid was present in the colon, which necessitated frequent aspiration for colonoscopic insertion and observation ; in contrast, fluid retention was minimal in Group 2 and Group 3. Concerning patient acceptance, the order was the following : Group 1 > Group 2 = Brown's regimen > Group 3. In conclusion, PEG-ELS was the most effective and conf ortable when it is administered on the day of examination. However, there exists the possibility that minute lesions are overlooked by the fluid in the lumen. Exclusion of the fluid is the most important problem. When PEG-ELS is given on the previous night, low residue diet should be combined. Since fluid retention is minimal, this method can also be applied to preparation for barium enema. However, improvement on patient acceptance is desired.
