Abstract:Objective To compare the efficacy of bowel preparation, patient compliance, and tolerability of different split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) electrolyte solution for painless colonoscopy in the morning.Method A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed. 520 patients were randomized to (1.0 L + 2.0 L) 3.0 L-group and (0.5 L + 1.5 L) 2.0 L-group for bowel preparation from July 2019 to December 2020. Primary outcomes were adequate bowel preparation defined using the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) ≥ 6 and each segmental score ≥2. Secondary outcomes included patient compliance, tolerability, effects on sleep, and adenoma detection rate.Results Among the 519 patients eligible for the study, 259 were in the 3.0 L-group and 260 were in the 2.0 L-group. No differences were observed for rates of high quality bowel preparation or overall BBPS (P > 0.05). Patients in 2.0 L-group were more likely to complete or repeat the entire preparation (P < 0.05). In terms of adverse events, patients in the 2.0 L-group reported less bloating (P = 0.000) and sleep deprivation (P = 0.000). There was no difference with regards to the adenoma detection rate (P > 0.05). The time interval between the last dose of bowel preparation and the start of colonoscopy was inversely correlated with the degree of mucosal cleanliness (P < 0.05).Conclusion Efficacy of bowel preparation using split-dose 2.0 L PEG electrolyte solution for painless colonoscopy in the morning that was not inferior to the split-dose 3.0 L PEG electrolyte solution. Preparation using a split-dose of 2.0 L PEG induced less abdominal discomfort and better tolerability.