Flavored candy drops can improve the patient’s compliance when taking PEG solution for colonoscopy = Flavored candy drops can improve the patient’s compliance when taking PEG solution for colonoscopy

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background and Aims: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) based solution has been widely used for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy. The main disadvantages of this preparation were its large volume and poor palatability. Recently, PEG with ascorbic acid was developed for low-volume and better taste. However, this method still requires moderate amount of volume and has brought just a little taste improvement. We aimed to investigate whether adding various kinds of flavored candy drops can improve the pateints’ compliance and the quality of bowel cleansing when taking 4-L, split-dose, PEG with ascorbic acid solution for colonoscopy. Methods: Single center, randomized study was performed during May to November 2014. A total of 120 patients were prospectively enrolled. The patients were classified into 3 groups. (40 control group, 40 menthol candy group, and 40 cherry flavored candy group.) All patients received colonoscopy using split-dose PEG ascorbic acid preparation method. In the candy drops added group, patients were provided 10 candy drops and instructed to suck on a candy while drinking the split-dose PEG solution. To investigate the compliance and palatability, a questionnaire was performed before colonoscopy. Quality of preparation, remaining unconsumed volume, and side effects were also investigated. Results: The mean palatability score and patient compliance were significantly better in both candy drops users versus controls. Patients with cherry candies complained of fewer side effects such as nausea or abdominal fullness than the menthol group. Quality of colon preparation was also significantly better in the both flavored candy groups than the controls. Cherry candy group achieved the best preparation quality. Conclusions: Flavored candy drops can improve the taste and patient’s compliance when taking PEG solution, and are associated with better bowel cleansing. It seems taking flavored candy drops based on a patient’s preference when taking PEG solution is a safe and easy method to enhance the quality of bowel preparation.