Background: An effective bowel cleanse can improve the imaging quality of video capsule endoscopy (VCE). We aimed to further investigate the optimal small bowel cleanse method by comparing the efficacy of 4 L of clear liquids, 2 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and 4 L of PEG on the image quality of VCE.
Methods: A randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial was performed comparing 4 L of clear liquids (Group A), 2 L of PEG (Group B), and 4 L of PEG (Group C). The primary endpoint was image quality between the groups. The secondary endpoints included patient tolerability and side effects.
Results: Eighty-one patients were analyzed in group A, 84 patients were analyzed in group B, and 80 patients were analyzed in group C. Image quality scores revealed 4 L of clear liquids to be non-inferior to 2 L of PEG, and 2 L of PEG to be non-inferior to 4 L of PEG (p < 0.0167). Group A had a lower difficulty of completion rate than Group B and Group C and a lower rate of side effects when compared to Group C (p < 0.0167).
Conclusion: Four liters of clear liquids should be considered a routine method for small bowel preparation prior to VCE.
Keywords: Image quality; Preparation; Small Bowel; Video capsule endoscopy.
© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.