Related Experiment Video For cathartics
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Current Status of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Japan: A Web-Based Survey of Endoscopists (PRESS Survey)
Takayuki Matsumoto1, Motohiro Esaki2, Fumihito Hirai3
1Department of Internal Medicine Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine Iwate Medical University Yahaba Japan.
Objectives:
The increasing number of patients with colorectal cancer underscores the importance of colonoscopy. Adequate bowel preparation is essential to ensure the quality and safety of colonoscopic examinations; however, data on the current practices in Japan remain limited. This study aimed to clarify the current status of bowel preparation, use of bowel-cleansing agents, and associated challenges among physicians performing colonoscopies.
Methods:
In March 2026, we conducted a nationwide web-based cross-sectional survey of physicians performing colonoscopies in Japan. The survey assessed bowel preparation practices, use of bowel-cleansing agents, constipation, and renal function before colonoscopy. Responses were obtained from 300 physicians who performed at least 10 colonoscopies per month.
Results:
Low-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus ascorbate preparations were the most commonly used bowel-cleansing agents, followed by high-volume PEG preparations and magnesium-based agents. Cleansing efficacy and safety were the most highly valued characteristics of bowel-cleansing agents. 64.7% of physicians reported that the perceived frequency of inadequate bowel preparation was >10% among their patients. Although 64.3% of the physicians reported always assessing constipation, only 32.7% reported always evaluating renal function before colonoscopy. Compared with hospital-based physicians, those working in clinics reported a significantly lower proportion of inadequate bowel preparation, but a significantly lower rate of renal function assessment.
Conclusion:
Although cleansing efficacy and safety are prioritized in bowel preparation for colonoscopy in Japan, physicians perceived inadequate bowel preparation to occur in a substantial proportion of patients. Thus, further optimization of bowel preparation strategies and more consistent assessment of renal function before colonoscopy are needed.
Trial Registration:
University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000060808).
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:23Lower GI Series: Barium Enema
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
01:28Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy