Comparative study of Polyethylene Glycol versus Sodium Phosphate Enema for bowel preparation before colonoscopy: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background:
The colon should be free of fecal matter and fluid for detailed visualization of colonic mucosa and lesions over it. A
patient compliant preparation is preferable for the examiner. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of bowel
preparation, patient compliance and side effects of 2 bowel cleansing regimens i.e Polyethylene glycol with
electrolytes (PEG) and Enema (sodium phosphate) for diagnostic colonoscopy performed in indoor patients.
METHODS:
In this randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 50 patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy were randomly
administered oral PEG (n=25) and sodium phosphate enema (n=25). Patient tolerance was scored using a
questionnaire. Efficacy was scored using the Ottawa bowel preparation scale.
Results:
Patients in PEG group were more satisfied with cleanout, had better Ottawa score, had lower procedure time and
less complications compared to patients in Enema group.