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

OBJECTIVES: We compared the efficacy and patient tolerance of two dietary regimens used as an adjunct to standard bowel cleansing in preparation for elective colonoscopy. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.