Comparative Study on the Impact of (1+2)L vs. (2+1)L PEG Electrolyte Solutions on Bowel Preparation for Morning Colonoscopies

The quality of bowel preparation is crucial for colonoscopy. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte solutions are widely used for their safety and effectiveness in cleansing the colon. However, the requirement to consume large volumes of water and the speed of ingestion make the process uncomfortable for patients. To minimize the impact on patients' lives, this study compares two PEG administration regimens for outpatient colonoscopy: the (1+2)L PEG regimen and the (2+1)L PEG regimen.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from October to November 2024, involving 40 patients who were randomly assigned to either the control group (1+2)L PEG or the observation group (2+1)L PEG. The control group consumed 1L of PEG 10-12 hours before the procedure and 2L within 4-6 hours before the procedure, while the observation group consumed 2L 10-12 hours before and 1L within 4-6 hours before the procedure. The Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS) was used to assess bowel preparation quality. The impact on sleep was evaluated using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being highly disruptive to sleep and 10 indicating no disruption. Patient satisfaction was also measured on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being very dissatisfied and 10 being very satisfied. Statistical analysis was performed to determine if there were significant differences between the two regimens.

he bowel preparation quality scores between the two regimens were not statistically significant. However, the (2+1)L PEG regimen had a statistically significant lower impact on sleep compared to the (1+2)L PEG regimen, with more patients reporting less disruption to their sleep. Patient satisfaction was also significantly higher in the (2+1)L PEG regimen.

For patients undergoing morning colonoscopies, the (2+1)L PEG regimen ensures bowel preparation quality while having a minimal impact on sleep and increasing patient satisfaction with the bowel preparation process. This study provides additional options for bowel preparation regimens.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025