Comparison of 4 L of PEG Versus Combination of 2 L of PEG and 45 mL of Sodium Phosphate for Colonoscopy Colon Cleansing: A Prospective Randomized Trial / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) is safe but its large volume and bad taste reduces patients' compliance. Sodium phosphate (NaP) is a hyperosmotic agent and its small volume can increase patients' compliance but electrolyte imbalance is a problem. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine whether patients' compliance can be enhanced and electrolyte imbalance reduced by combining these two agents. METHODS: Forty-one admitted patients receiving colonoscopy at Korea University Hospital from June 28, 2004 to August 14, 2004 were randomly divided into two groups for colon cleansing with either PEG 4 L (n=21) or PEG 2 L plus NaP 45 mL (n=20). Patients were assessed for patient tolerance, quality of preparation, and changes of biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Overall discomfort was statistically lower in the combination group, PEG 2 L plus NaP 45 mL (p=0.035). Although patients in the combination group reported less fullness (p=0.076) and nausea (p=0.087), the findings were not statistically significant. The quality of the preparation was comparable between the two groups (p=0.872). The phosphorus level in the combination group showed a statistically significant increase (0.58+/-0.46) after colon cleansing (p=0.020) but was not clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of NaP 45 mL and PEG 2 L showed less overall discomfort with comparable quality of preparation and without serious electrolyte abnormality compared to 4 L of PEG. Therefore, the combination of NaP 45 mL and PEG 2 L could be used as an alternative colonoscopic colon cleansing agent when patients have trouble taking 4 L of PEG alone.