Using electrolyte beverages instead of water for bowel preparation before colonoscopy

Comparison of Electrolyte Beverages and Water as Solvents for Bowel Preparation: A Single-Blind, Prospective, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is testing if using sugar-free electrolyte drinks instead of water for bowel prep before a colonoscopy can make the process easier and more pleasant for patients.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 2766 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Third Military Medical University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT06675227 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of sugar-free electrolyte beverages as a solvent for polyethylene glycol (PEG) in bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. The goal is to improve the taste and electrolyte content of the preparation solution, thereby enhancing patient compliance and satisfaction. By comparing the use of electrolyte beverages to traditional water, the study aims to determine if this approach leads to better bowel cleanliness and overall patient experience during the colonoscopy process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy individuals or those with mild chronic diseases who are scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy and are able to comply with the study requirements.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or severe gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved bowel preparation and increased patient satisfaction during colonoscopy procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of electrolyte beverages in bowel preparation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving patient compliance and satisfaction.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy individuals or those with mild or well-controlled chronic diseases.
2. Patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy.
3. Patients prescribed sodium phosphate or polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation.
4. Willing to participate and sign the informed consent form.
5. Age ≥18 years
6. ECOG performance status \<2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who refuse to participate in the study.
2. Patients requiring enema preparation.
3. Uncontrolled hypertension.
4. Patients with diabetes.
5. Pregnant patients.
6. Suspected bowel obstruction.
7. Risk of aspiration.
8. Patients with severe ulcerative colitis, gastric retention, bowel perforation, toxic colitis, or megacolon.
9. Patients with severe systemic diseases (including NYHA class 3-4 heart failure, Child-Pugh class C liver failure).
10. Patients with a known allergy to polyethylene glycol.
11. Patients with a history of major gastrointestinal surgery or any other conditions that may interfere with study outcomes or adherence.

Where this trial is running

Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality

• Army Medical Center — Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Weidong Tong, MD — Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University
• Study coordinator: Kun Xv

Conditions Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy; bowel preparation; Electrolyte Beverages