Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy

For evaluation of the colon, Colonoscopy is the current standard method. Diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety of colonoscopy depends on the quality of the colonic cleansing or preparation. The ideal preparation for colonoscopy would reliably empty the colon of all fecal material in a rapid fashion with no gross or histologic alteration of the colonic mucosa. The preparation would also not cause any patient discomfort or shifts in fluids or electrolytes and would be inexpensive. Unfortunately, none of the preparations currently available meet all of these requirements.