Written recommendation to repeat colonoscopy within 1 year after inadequate bowel preparation: a simple and highly effective intervention

Background and study aim: When bowel preparation is inadequate, international guidelines recommend repeating the colonoscopy within 1 year. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of providing a written recommendation in improving completion of repeat colonoscopy within one year after inadequate bowel preparation. Patients and methods: We conducted a single-center, non-randomized clinical trial. Consecutive outpatients’ colonoscopies with inadequate bowel preparation were included. The intervention group received written recommendations concerning the necessity of repeating the colonoscopy within one year. Both groups were provided with verbal instructions conveying the same information. Inadequate bowel preparation was defined as the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score <2 points in any segment.

Results