Comparison of Objectively Assessed Versus Patient-Reported Clarity of Last Rectal Effluent for the Prediction of...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Patient Care

Background:

• Colonoscopy is vital for colorectal cancer screening.
• Adequate bowel preparation is critical for colonoscopy success.
• Poor preparation can lead to adverse outcomes and repeat procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively correlate the clarity of the last rectal effluent with bowel preparation quality.
• To compare objective effluent assessment with patient-reported descriptions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, single-centre, case-control study.
• Inclusion of patients over 18 undergoing colonoscopies.
• Objective assessment via photographic recording of last rectal effluent vs. verbal descriptions.

Main Results:

• Thin, clear fluid as last rectal effluent was significantly associated with adequate bowel preparation.
• Photographic recording of effluent did not correlate with preparation adequacy.
• Thin yellow fluid was the most common effluent clarity observed.

Conclusions:

• Objective assessment of last rectal effluent clarity is a reliable indicator of bowel preparation quality.
• This method can enhance bowel preparation for colonoscopies.
• Improved preparation may lead to better patient outcomes and healthcare cost savings.