Tuesday Poster Session
Category: Colon

Khadija Mohib, MD
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Insufficient bowel preparation (IBP) reduces colonoscopy effectiveness, with constipation as a key risk factor. This study conducts a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of different bowel preparation regimens for constipated patients.
Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central, and ScienceDirect were explored from their inception up to May 2025 for Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining various bowel preparation regimens in constipated patients undergoing colonoscopy. A frequentist network meta-analysis was executed using R version 4.2.1 with the “netmeta” package, applying a random effects model. Treatment rankings were established using p-scores, while the risk of bias was evaluated with the ROB 2.0 tool. Publication bias was assessed visually via funnel plots and statistically through Egger’s Regression test.
Fifteen RCTs were included in this network meta-analysis. Compared to 4L PEG (polyethylene glycol), 3L PEG + 3d-Lin (3 days-Linaclotide) (RR=1.29 ; 95%CI:[1.12,1.47], p=0.0002), 4L PEG + 1d-Lin (RR=1.25 ; 95%CI:[1.04,1.51], p=0.02), NaP (sodium phosphate) + bisacodyl (RR=1.52 ; 95%CI:[1.09,2.10], p=0.01) and Probiotic 14d + NaP (RR= 3.59 ; 95%CI:[1.83,7.04], p=0.0002) arms significantly increased the adequate bowel preparation with Probiotic 14d + NaP group ranked highest and Senna + MgSO4 (Magnesium sulphate) ranked lowest regarding this outcome. The risk of all other adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and bloating, was comparable between different regimens, except abdominal pain, which was significantly reduced in the 3L PEG + 3d-Lin arm (RR=0.18 ;95%CI:[0.04,0.88], p=0.03) compared to 4L PEG.
In constipated patients, Probiotic 14d + NaP showed the highest efficacy for adequate bowel preparation, while Senna + MgSO4 was least effective. Additionally, 3L PEG + 3d-Lin reduced abdominal pain compared to 4L PEG, with comparable rates of other adverse effects across bowel preparation regimens.

