Elemental Diet as Preparation for Colonoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

[ABSTRACT] [Objective] To investigate the usefulness of an elemental diet (ED) as a bowel preparation regimen for colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). [Material and Methods] One day before colonoscopy, patients with IBD received 1,200 ml of an ED in place of the regular, conventional low-fiber diet in the preparatory regimen. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) lavage solution was used for colonic cleansing, symptoms were assessed, and a physical examination was performed. The total amount of PEG solution used, degree of colonic cleansing achieved, and patient acceptance were evaluated. [Results] The subjects were 21 patients with ulcerative colitis and 7 patients with Crohn's disease. The regimen using an ED required significantly less PEG (mean PEG volume, 1,373+-393mL; p