The British journal of surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A physiological appraisal of polyethylene glycol and a balanced electrolyte solution as bowel preparation.
Seventy-seven patients undergoing bowel preparation with either sennosides and rectal washout (S + RWO; n = 26) or polyethylene glycol and a balanced electrolyte solution (PEG + E) given orally (n = 25) or by nasogastric infusion (n = 26) have been studied. PEG + E was not associated with significant physiological change in electrolytes or blood gases. ⋯ It is therefore a safe, quick and efficient bowel preparation and provides a safer alternative to mannitol. The solution (PEG + E) man be used orally or by nasogastric infusion and does not require an accompanying intravenous infusion.