Fig. 1.

Method of drinking: Bolus versus sipping Bolus drinking of normal saline (SCC group) in quick succession (every 4–5 min) allows intake of 1–2 L where as sipping of PEG solution (HCP group) allows intake of only 360–450 mL in 15 min. Bolus intake every 4–5 min should lead to a larger amount of gastric emptying (applying first order kinetics for a time to 50 % emptying of 8–18 min for an isocaloric, non-nutrient liquid), thus stimulating a potent gastro-colic reflex. Simultaneously, the resultant high flow rate of isotonic solution in the intestine should allow minimal time for ionic exchange, leading to less absorption