Can a bowel preparation exacerbate heart failure?

ABSTRACT

Polyethylene glycol solutions, used for bowel preparation before colonoscopy, in theory pass through the colon without any absorption of water. However, several investigators have reported that these solutions do increase plasma volume. This review compares polyethylene and sodium phosphate bowel preparations and their effects on patients with heart failure, and also offers recommendations for patients with heart failure who need colonoscopy.