A Low-Residue Breakfast Improves Patient Tolerance Without Impacting Quality of Low-Volume Colon Cleansing Prior to Colonoscopy: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

We compared the efficacy and patient tolerance of two dietary regimens used as an adjunct to standard bowel cleansing in preparation for elective colonoscopy. Our prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled, noninferiority trial compared two dietary regimens administered the day before colonoscopy. Subjects received low-volume bowel preparation. The primary outcome was efficacy of colon cleansing, rated by the Ottawa bowel preparation scale (OBPS). Patient acceptance of the assigned dietary regimen was assessed as a secondary outcome. The mean OBPS score for the standard clear-fluid diet group was 4.47, compared with 4.62 for the low-residue breakfast group, meeting criteria for noninferiority. The groups reported similar mean intensity of hunger on a visual analog hunger scale. However, overall satisfaction was higher with the low-residue diet than with the clear-fluid diet. A low-residue breakfast on the day before elective colonoscopy does not compromise the overall quality of bowel preparation as compared with a standard clear-fluid diet and is likely to be preferred by patients.