The Efficacy of 4 Liters of Clear Liquids for Small Bowel Preparation Prior to Video Capsule Endoscopy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Optimal small bowel (SB) preparation for video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is controversial. Our study aimed to support the use of a specified volume of 4 liters of clear liquids for bowel preparation for VCE. METHODS: A retrospective review of 284 patients who underwent SB preparation with 2 liters of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 284 patients who had 4 liters of clear liquid preparation. We analyzed image quality, endoscopic findings, completion rate, and transit times. RESULTS: The 4-liter clear liquid group had significantly higher mean image quality scores when compared to the PEG group (2.908±0.77 to 2.669±0.64, p<0.0001), as well as more studies with adequate preparation (72% to 64%, p=0.0214). Although the PEG group had more endoscopic findings on VCE (40% to 23%, p<0.0001), there was a significant difference in the indications for the procedure between the groups. There was no difference in the capsule completion rate or SB transit time. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate significantly higher mean image quality scores when using a specified volume of 4 liters of clear liquid compared to 2 liters of PEG. This study supports the growing evidence of the effectiveness of a 4-liter clear liquid SB preparation as opposed to PEG for VCE.