Effect of single-day versus multi-day low-residue diet on colonoscopy bowel preparation: a systematic review and meta...

To compare the effects of single-day and multi-day low-residue diets on bowel preparation quality and patient tolerance of colonoscopy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted to compare the efficacy of a single-day low-residue diet and a multi-day low-residue diet for bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Relevant articles were screened from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception till December 10, 2024. Data were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager software after data extraction.

In total, 2248 patients from five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. In the intention-to-treat population, the adequate bowel preparation rates were 90.1% and 89.7% in the single-day and multi-day low-residue diet groups, respectively (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-1.41, p = 0.84). In the per-protocol population, the adequate bowel preparation rates were 91.3% and 90.2% in the single-day and multi-day low-residue diet groups, respectively (pooled OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.84-1.54, p = 0.40). Four studies examined patient tolerance (pooled OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.52-2.31, p < 0.01), whereas three examined the patients' willingness to repeat the same dietary restrictions (pooled OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.61-5.25, p < 0.01).

There is no significant difference in the quality of bowel preparation between single-day and multi-day low-residue diets before colonoscopy. However, patient tolerance and willingness to repeat the same dietary restrictions were higher in the single-day low-residue diet than in the multi-day low-residue diet.