Comparison of Low Versus High Volume Bowel Preparation Efficacy and Tolerability for Colonoscopy: A Quality Improvement Study.

Abstract

Successful bowel preparation for colonoscopy is an important factor in ensuring a high-quality examination. Inadequate preparations occur in up to 25% of all colonoscopies, which can compromise the detection and removal of colorectal neoplasia. Low volume bowel preparations have similar efficacy to large volume preparations but are higher cost. In an effort to improve bowel preparation quality, a Veterans Affairs hospital recently switched from a 4-liter polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) to a 2-liter, low volume PEG-ELS with supplemental ascorbate and sodium sulfate (MoviPrep).