A consensus document prepared by three leading American gastrointestinal societies (American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons) as well as a position paper by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology identified the lack of an ideal bowel preparation which meets all these criteria. Furthermore, the need for further studies was identified in the following areas: