Low-Volume PEG vs. Standard Split-Dose PEG Before Colonoscopy

2-L PEG plus ascorbic acid was not inferior to 4-L PEG plus electrolytes for colonoscopy bowel cleansing.

Many U.S. colonoscopists now use low-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) preparations such as HalfLytely and MoviPrep. The newer of the two preparations, MoviPrep (Salix Pharmaceuticals), consists of 1 L of PEG plus ascorbic acid (ASC) ingested the night before colonoscopy and 1 L of PEG plus ASC ingested the day of the procedure. ASC has laxative effects presumably because its absorption is quickly saturated, with the remaining ASC exerting an osmotic effect in the lumen. Low-volume PEG preps have become popular, although evidence that they are equal in efficacy to 4-L PEG preps or sodium phosphate preps given in split-dose fashion (2 L the night before and 2 L the morning of colonoscopy) has been unconvincing.

In a manufacturer-sponsored stud…

Reviewing Author

Douglas K. Rex, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOlympus Corporation America; Boston Scientific

Speaker’s BureauOlympus

Grant/Research SupportMedtronic; Boston Scientific; Colonary Solutions; Paion Medical; Medivators; Braintree Laboratories

Editorial BoardsWorld Journal of Gastroenterology; The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology; Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medscape Gastroenterology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Annals of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Journal of Anesthesia & Clinical Research; Gastroenterology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology; Gastroenterology Research and Practice; GI & Hepatology News; Gastroenterology Report; Clinical Epidemiology Reviews; JSM Gastroenterology and Hepatology; GI Journal Watch; Austin Journal of Gastroenterology; World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Treasurer); US Multi-Society Task Force (AGA, ACG, ASGE) (Chair)

Douglas K. Rex, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOlympus Corporation America; Boston Scientific

Speaker’s BureauOlympus

Grant/Research SupportMedtronic; Boston Scientific; Colonary Solutions; Paion Medical; Medivators; Braintree Laboratories

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Treasurer); US Multi-Society Task Force (AGA, ACG, ASGE) (Chair)