Aspiration Complications Following Nasogastric Administration of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Solution A CASE TO REMEMBER

P olyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Lavage Solution (PEG-ELS), “Golytely,” has been available since the early 1980s. Davis et al, developed it as a safer alternative for traditional bowel cleansing using balanced electrolyte solution. It provides rapid cleansing of the bowel with only minimal transmucosal movement of water or sodium (1). Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is a linear polymer made up of repeating two-carbon length hydrocarbons joined by oxygen to form an ether linkage. This structure produces a hydrophobic and hydrophilic portion of the polymer. The hydrophilic oxygen molecules allow for bonding to surrounding water molecules. PEG 3350 is the most common form used in gastric lavage solutions. It is one of the larger PEG molecules made up of 68–84 units. Its large size keeps it from being absorbed by the