Association between bowel habits and quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy

Shortening Oral Simethicone-to-Colonoscopy Interval Increases Bowel Preparation Quality

BACKGROUND Simethicone can improve bowel preparation quality, but the optimal timing of oral simethicone before colonoscopy has not been determined. This study aimed to explore the effect of the time interval between oral simethicone and the start of colonoscopy (S-C) on bowel preparation quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 364 patients undergoing colonoscopy at our department from August 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021 were included in the training cohort, and 420 consecutive patients from December 15, 2021 to January 31, 2022 comprised the validation cohort. They were classified into short and long S-C groups according to the median S-C. Bowel preparation quality evaluated by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale was compared between the 2 groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the correlation between S-C and bowel preparation quality, and we explored the effect of run-way time and time of starting colonoscopy on bowel preparation quality. RESULTS In the training cohort, 182 and 182 patients were classified into the short and long S-C groups, respectively; in the validation cohort, 210 and 210 patients were classified into the 2 groups, respectively. In the 2 cohorts, the short S-C group had a significantly higher rate of adequate/excellent bowel preparation than the long S-C group. Logistic regression analyses showed that shorter S-C, shorter run-way time, and colonoscopy in the morning were all correlated with adequate/excellent bowel preparation. CONCLUSIONS Bowel preparation quality may be affected by S-C, run-way time, and time of starting colonoscopy. S-C shortening should be given equal importance as run-way time shortening.

An abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program for older patients with constipation: Development and feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Older patients with constipation are at higher risk for inadequate bowel preparation, but there are currently no targeted strategies. This study aims to develop an abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program and assess its feasibility among older patients with constipation.

METHODS

Phase I: Using the Delphi technique, eight experts across three professional fields were consulted to develop the AVCWE program. The experts evaluated and provided recommendations on demonstration videos and detailed descriptions of the preliminary protocol. Phase II: A single-arm feasibility study of the AVCWE program was conducted on 30 older patients with constipation undergoing colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in China. A 10-point exercise program evaluation form and several open-ended questions were used to gather feedback from participants regarding the program. In both phases, content analysis was used to critically analyze and summarize qualitative suggestions for protocol modifications.

RESULTS

Based on feedback from the expert panel, the AVCWE program developed in Phase I included two procedures during laxative ingestion: at least 5,500 steps of walking exercise and two cycles of moderate-intensity abdominal vibration (each cycle consisted of 10 min of vibration and 10 min of rest). The feasibility study in Phase II showed high positive patient feedback scores for the program, ranging from 9.07 ± 0.74 to 9.73 ± 0.52.

CONCLUSION

The AVCWE program was developed by eight multidisciplinary experts and was well accepted by 30 older patients with constipation. Study participants believed that this program was simple, safe, appropriate, and helpful for their bowel preparation. The findings of this study may provide valuable information for optimizing bowel preparation in older patients with constipation.

Importance of Bowel Habits in Predicting Inadequate Bowel Preparation: A Prospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

Inadequate bowel preparation (BP) negatively affects the efficacy and quality of colonoscopy. Although constipation has already been reported as one of the most important predictors of inadequate BP, there is limited information on the relation between inadequate BP and bowel habits including constipation-related symptoms, medications, and severity of constipation.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective observational study was conducted between August 2019 and May 2020. All participants answered questionnaires regarding personal bowel habits and received low-volume polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid for outpatient colonoscopy. Severity of constipation was evaluated by constipation scoring system. Bowel preparation cleansing was evaluated using Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Potential predictors of inadequate BP were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 1054 patients were enrolled, of which, 105 (10%) had inadequate BP (total BBPS ≤ 6 or any segmental BBPS < 2). The risk of inadequate BP increased with constipation severity (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that frequent straining (> 25% of defecations) (OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33-3.28) and chronic use of stimulant laxatives (OR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.59-4.17) were significant predictors of inadequate BP, among personal bowel habits.

CONCLUSION

Frequent straining and chronic use of stimulant laxatives were predictors of inadequate BP. An intensified preparation regimen should be considered for severely constipated patients with straining and chronic use of stimulant laxatives.

A Systematic Review of Exercise Therapy for Bowel Preparation: Evidence to Guide Practice

This systematic review aims to evaluate (1) the effectiveness of exercise therapy in bowel preparation for colonoscopy, and (2) the characteristics of exercise programs for bowel preparation. Systematic searches were done in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL from inception to November 2022. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing the efficacy of exercise during bowel preparation were included in this review. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality using a modified Downs and Black checklist. A narrative synthesis was conducted. A total of five studies (1,109 participants) were included in this review. In all eligible studies, the characteristics of the exercise programs varied and included mainly two types of exercise (walking and yoga), various amount of exercise (3,000-10,000 steps or 0.5-1.9 hours), and two exercise timing (during and 1 hour after taking the laxative). Available evidence indicated that exercise therapy is effective in improving the quality of bowel preparation. However, there was insufficient high-quality evidence to conclude the effects on procedure-related indicators, adverse events, and willingness to repeat preparation. Exercise should be recommended as an important part of routine bowel preparation for patients undergoing colonoscopy to improve the quality of bowel preparation. More rigorous studies focusing on the effects on procedure-related indicators, adverse events, and willingness to repeat preparation are needed. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of the intervention, it is critical to establish a standard, well-structured exercise program for bowel preparation.

Advanced intestinal regulation improves bowel preparation quality in patients with constipation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background: Inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) has a critical influence on the colonoscopy procedure and is associated with significantly lower rates of detection of colorectal lesions. Constipation is an important risk factor of IBP, and some studies have attempted to address the bowel cleansing for constipated patients. However, there is still lack of consensus to guide the clinical work of bowel preparation (BP) for patients with constipation. Therefore, we aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the overall efficacy of various regimens for BP in constipated patients. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of bowel preparation regimens in constipated patients, update to January 2021. Two investigators independently evaluated articles and extracted data. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to combine dichotomous data of the primary outcome which was defined as adequate bowel preparation (ABP). Rank probability was used to exhibit the outcome of the network meta-analysis. Results: Eleven studies that included 1891 constipated patients were identified as suitable for inclusion. The proportion of ABP was associated with the administration of intensive regimen (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.16-4.17, p = .02, I2 = 84%). Moreover, an intensive regimen had a significant efficacy and light heterogeneity when the same basic laxative program was used (OR 4.06, 95% CI 3.04-5.43, p < .0001, I2 = 0%). In the network meta-analysis, the protocol of a normal regimen + A (normal regimen plus advanced intestinal regulation) had a significant effect for bowel preparation compared with a normal regimen + IR (normal regimen plus irritating laxative regimen) (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.18-24.55), H PEG (4L- polyethylene glycol) (OR 8.70, 95% CI 1.75-52.56), and normal regimen (NR) (OR 7.37, 95% CI 2.33-26.39). In the remaining protocols, no significant difference was observed in any comparison. No significant severe adverse events (AEs) associated with bowel preparation were reported in included studies. Conclusion: Intensive regimens could improve bowel cleansing quality for patients with constipation, and advanced intestinal regulation regimens may be superior to others.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy in Outpatient: A Prospective Observational Study

Colonoscopy is an effective method for screening colorectal cancer and adenoma, but the adenoma detection rate depends on the quality of bowel preparation. Our study investigates the influencing factors of the quality of bowel preparation before colonoscopy in outpatients and the influence of the number of walking steps on the quality of bowel preparation. We prospectively collected the clinical data of 150 outpatients undergoing colonoscopy in our department in 2019. Ordinal logistic regression shows that the overweight, not drinking, the number of walking steps before colonoscopy, and the time interval between start PEG and colonoscopy (4-6 hours) were independent factors affecting bowel preparation quality. There was a curving relationship between the reciprocal of Ottawa score and the number of walking steps before colonoscopy, and the regression equation is 1/ Ottawa score = -0.198 + 0.062 × ln steps (p = .035), a minimum of 5,270 walking steps before a colonoscopy is required for a high quality of bowel preparation.

Risk Factors of Inadequate Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy

The success of a colonoscopy in detecting and removing pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions depends heavily on the quality of bowel preparation. Despite efforts, 20–44% of colonoscopy participants have an inadequate bowel preparation. We aimed to assess and compare risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation and for the presence of advanced colorectal neoplasms in routine screening practice. In this cross-sectional study, among 8125 participants of screening colonoscopy in Germany with a comprehensive assessment of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and medical history, we examined factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation and with findings of advanced neoplasms using adjusted log-binomial regression models. Among the identified risk factors assessed, three factors were identified that were significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation: age ≥ 70 years (adjusted prevalence ratios, aPR, 1.50 95%CI 1.31–1.71), smoking (aPR 1.29 95%CI 1.11–1.50) and abdominal symptoms (aPR 1.14 95%CI 1.02–1.27). The same risk factors were also associated with the prevalence of advanced neoplasms in our study (aPR 1.72, 1.62 and 1.44, respectively). The risk factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation in this study were also associated with a higher risk for advanced neoplasms. Inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy might lead to missed colorectal cancer (CRC) precursors and the late diagnosis of CRC. People at high risk of advanced neoplasms are in particular need of enhanced bowel preparation.

The Efficacy of Short-Duration Polyethylene Glycol plus Electrolytes for Improving Bowel Preparation of Colonoscopy in Patients with Chronic Constipation

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study was conducted from September 2019 to September 2020 at 5 related institutions among patients ≥ 20 years old diagnosed with chronic constipation whose previous colonoscopic BP had had a fair or poor Aronchick score. Two or four sachets of PEG+E (13.7 or 27.4 g/day) were prescribed for 1 week before colonoscopy. We analyzed the rate of improvement in BP, effect-related factors, spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs), stool consistency, improvement of constipation symptoms, and adverse events.

RESULTS

We evaluated 106 cases (56 males) with an average age of 69.5 ± 9.4 years old (≤74 years old: 68 cases, ≥75 years old: 38 cases). The improvement rate of BP was 72.6%, and the insertion time and pain score also improved. A performance status of 1 or 2 was associated with poor BP. SBMs (times/week) increased from 4.0 ± 1.9 to 6.1 ± 2.6 (p < 0.001). The overall improvement rates of SBMs, stool consistency, symptoms of constipation, and rate of adverse events were 58.5%, 90.6%, 59.4%, and 6.6%, respectively, showing no significant differences with regard to age or gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-duration PEG+E was effective for improving poor BP and chronic constipation.

The importance of colonoscopy bowel preparation for the detection of colorectal lesions and colorectal cancer prevention

Background and study aims  Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has reduced CRC incidence and mortality and improved prognosis. Optimal bowel preparation and high-quality endoscopic technique facilitate early CRC detection. This review provides a narrative on the clinical importance of bowel preparation for colonoscopy and highlights available bowel preparations. Methods  A PubMed search was conducted through June 2019 to identify studies evaluating clinical outcomes, efficacy, safety, and tolerability associated with bowel preparation for CRC screening-related colonoscopy. Results  Selecting the optimal bowel preparation regimen is based on considerations of efficacy, safety, and tolerability, in conjunction with individual patient characteristics and preferences. Available bowel preparations include high-volume (4 L) and low-volume (2 L and 1 L), polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions, sodium sulfate, sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide plus anhydrous citric acid, sodium phosphate tablets, and the over-the-counter preparations magnesium citrate and PEG-3350. These preparations may be administered as a single dose on the same day or evening before, or as two doses administered the same day or evening before/morning of colonoscopy. Ingesting at least half the bowel preparation on the day of colonoscopy (split-dosing) is associated with higher adequate bowel preparation quality versus evening-before dosing (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.9-3.4). Conclusions  High-quality bowel preparation is integral for optimal CRC screening/surveillance by colonoscopy. Over the last 30 years, patients and providers have gained more options for bowel preparation, including low-volume agents with enhanced tolerability and cleansing quality that are equivalent to 4 L preparations. Split-dosing is preferred for achieving a high-quality preparation.

Prediction of Inadequate Bowel Preparation Using Total and Segmental Colon Transit Time in Patients with Chronic Constipation: Some Different Outcomes

AIMS

Radio-opaque markers have been widely used in the study of colon motility in patients with chronic functional constipation (FC). Here, we evaluate the relationship between the colon transit time (CTT) and the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) to determine whether CTT is a sufficient predictor of bowel preparation in patients with chronic functional constipation.

METHODS

A total of fifty-six patients with constipation and fifty-two healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent the colonic transit study using radio-opaque markers and were given a follow-up colonoscopy examination on day 3 to 7 to determine BBPS. The correlation between total and segmental CTT and BBPS was evaluated, and risk factors for predicting inadequate bowel preparation were determined.

RESULTS

In our study, we found some distinct outcomes compared with previous studies. The mean total CTT (TCTT) was determined to be 43.37 ± 18.82 h in the FC group and 23.08 ± 10.18 h in the HC group. This difference was found to be significant for both the total and segmental CTTs between the two groups (P < 0.05). Further, TCTT was negatively correlated with BBPS both in the FC (r = -0.899, 95% CI -0.748 to -0.925, P < 0.001) and the HC (r = -0.978, 95% CI -0.854 to -1.003, P = 0.004) groups, as was segmental CTTs and segmental BBPS (P < 0.05). In the case of patients with slow transit constipation, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that prolonged TCTT (OR 0.722, 95% CI 0.589-0.885, P = 0.002) was independently associated with poor bowel preparation. The total and right to left CTTs were found to predict inadequate bowel preparation and exhibited the best sensitivity and specificity at 48.0 h, 15.5 h, 17.5 h, and 19.0 h, based on ROC curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The CTT test represents a valuable method for predicting the level of bowel preparation prior to a colonoscopy examination. That is, both total and segmental CTTs can be considered an objective predictor of bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. The present study demonstrates some distinct results relative to previous studies, including STC subtype proportion in FC, the proportion of inadequate bowel preparation in the STC subtype, and the cut-off value of TCTT for predicting inadequate bowel preparation.

Usefulness of Personal Bowel Habits as a Predictive Factor for Inadequate Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Prospective Questionnaire-Based Observational Study

Background/Aims

The quality of bowel preparation is important for optimal colonoscopy. It is influenced by medical and personal factors. We aimed to evaluate the effect of bowel habit on the quality of bowel preparation and to identify predictors of inadequate bowel preparation among bowel habit factors.

Methods

From June 2017 to September 2017, 90 volunteers were enrolled in this study. Each participant answered a questionnaire consisting of multiple questions about personal bowel habits, including stool form, frequency of bowel movements per week, duration, and degree of straining for bowel movement. Then, all volunteers underwent colonoscopic exam. Eleven endoscopists performed colonoscopies and used the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) as the index for bowel preparation. Two expert endoscopists simultaneously reviewed all colonoscopic images to confirm the final BBPS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to verify the correlation between bowel preparation adequacy and bowel habit.

Results

Among the 90 participants, 20 (22.2%) had inadequate bowel preparation (total BBPS ≤6 or any segmental BBPS ≤1). In univariate analysis, infrequent bowel movement (0–2/week) (odds ratio [OR], 12.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 129, p=0.03) and moderate straining (more than 1/4 of defecations) (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.44 to 13.39; p=0.01) were significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation. However, only moderate straining was significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation in multivariate analysis (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.26 to 12.65; p=0.02).

Conclusions

Straining is a significant predictor for inadequate bowel preparation. For patients with straining during bowel movements, an intensified preparation regimen should be considered.

Effect and Tolerability of Same-Day Repeat Colonoscopy

Purpose/Aim of the study: The main purpose of the colonoscopy is screening for colorectal cancers and diagnosis of colorectal disease The cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy directly depend on the adequate bowel preparation. Inadequate colonoscopy is recommended to be re-scheduled within 1 year. Re-scheduling is an economic and patient burden. Thus instead of re-scheduling, another strategy may be attempted. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness and effect of the same day repeat colonoscopy after administration of an additional laxative dose. Materials and Methods: Patients with inadequate colonoscopy were enrolled in the study. The patients eligible for the enrollment were instructed to consume an additional laxative and scheduled in afternoon. The demographic data of the patient, the details of the index and repeat procedures were obtained by a questionnaire. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The rate of adequate colonoscopy was 80%. Cecum intubation rate was 83.3%. There were no complications due to colonoscopy itself and additional laxatives. The polyp detection rate was 26.6%. The withdrawal time was 6.7 ± 1.34 min. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that same day repeat colonoscopy with additional laxative dose can be a safe and effective method for repeat procedure of an inadequate colonoscopy. The patients tolerated and were satisfied with the same day protocol. Quality indicators of colonoscopy such as adenoma detection rate and cecum intubation rate were achieved. Same day bowel cleansing method may be considered as an alternative way rather than re-scheduling inadequate colonoscopy for a later time.