Background:

A successful colonoscopy depends, among other factors, on a proper colon cleansing. This variable also affects the acceptance of the patient to carry out the study.

Aim:

To analyze the efficacy and tolerability of a low volume polyethylene glycol formulation (2 liters), compared to the conventional presentation of 4 liters.

Material and Methods:

Patients referred for a colonoscopy were randomly divided to receive either two or four liter of polyethylene glycol as bowel cleansing, which was assessed using the Boston score. Raters of the latter were blinded to the volume of polyethylene glycol that the patients used.

Results:

Seventy-four patients participated in the study. Subjects who received a 4 liters preparation had an average Boston score of 7.78, versus 8.16 for patients who received a volume of 2 liters (p = 0.267). No significant differences in tolerability were observed between both groups. No significant differences in the efficacy and tolerability between a conventional or a reduced volume of polyethylene glycol solution for the preparation of a colonoscopy were observed. These findings may be especially important for subgroups of patients with difficulties for oral administration of fluids.