GoLYTELY is a brand name for a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based osmotic laxative solution used to cleanse the bowel prior to a colonoscopy or other medical procedure. The time required for its effects to become apparent varies among individuals, but typically bowel movements begin within one to three hours of initiating the solution. Complete bowel evacuation generally occurs within four to six hours after starting the regimen.
Adequate bowel preparation is essential for accurate diagnosis during colonoscopies. The presence of residual stool can obscure polyps or other abnormalities, potentially leading to missed diagnoses. Effective bowel cleansing improves the visibility of the colon lining, enhancing the accuracy of the examination. This preparation method has become a standard practice in gastrointestinal procedures, improving the effectiveness of colonoscopies in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer.
