Fatal aspiration of polyethylene glycol solution
de Graaf, P.; Slagt, C.; de Graaf, J.L.C.A.; Loffeld, R.J.L.F.
Netherlands Journal of Medicine 64(6): 196-198
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-2977 PMID: 16788218 Document Number: 596687
Endoscopy of the colon requires adequate cleansing of the entire bowel. Several laxative regimens have been propagated, but bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution is popular because of the easy application and good cleansing results. Although very safe in daily use, complications of this bowel-cleansing procedure have been reported and aspiration of the PEG solution is a possible and serious hazard. A case report is presented of a patient who aspirated the PEG solution and ultimately died because of respiratory failure.