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The Boston bowel preparation scale: a valid and reliable instrument for colonoscopy-oriented research
Edwin J Lai1, Audrey H Calderwood, Gheorghe Doros
1Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|January 13, 2009
Summary
The Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) is a validated tool for assessing colon cleanliness during colonoscopy. Higher BBPS scores correlate with increased polyp detection and shorter procedure times, improving colonoscopy outcomes research.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Existing bowel preparation scales lack validation and do not account for endoscopist interventions.
- This limits their applicability in colonoscopy outcomes research, particularly for polyp detection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable scale for assessing bowel preparation in the context of colonoscopy outcomes research.
Main Methods:
- Developed the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), a 10-point scale.
- Assessed interobserver and intraobserver reliability using video footage and clinician review.
- Prospectively applied the BBPS in screening colonoscopies, correlating scores with polyp detection and procedure times.
Main Results:
- The BBPS demonstrated good interobserver (ICC=0.74) and intraobserver (kappa=0.77) reliability.
- Higher BBPS scores were significantly associated with increased polyp detection rates (40% vs 24%, P < .02).
- BBPS scores showed inverse correlations with colonoscope insertion and withdrawal times.
Conclusions:
- The Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating bowel preparation.
- The BBPS is suitable for colonoscopy outcomes research, reflecting the colon's cleanliness during inspection.
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