Prucaloprida vs Bisacodyl as a Stimulant in Bowel Preparation for Video Colonoscopy in Adults

Overview

The objective of this randomized clinical trial is to compare prucalopride versus bisacodyl as a stimulant agent for bowel cleansing preparation prior to colonoscopy in patients undergoing the procedure at the Endoscopy Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas. The main research questions this study aims to answer are: Is prucalopride superior or equivalent to bisacodyl as a stimulant agent for bowel cleansing preparation before colonoscopy? Is the tolerability of prucalopride better, equivalent, or worse compared to bisacodyl? The investigators will compare the standard bowel cleansing preparation using polyethylene glycol (PEG) in combination with either bisacodyl or prucalopride as the stimulant agent. Participants will be randomized into two groups, both receiving the same base preparation with different stimulant agents.

An analytical, experimental, prospective study will be conducted, specifically a triple-blind randomized clinical trial (blinding of the endoscopist, investigators, and statistician), comparing a bowel preparation regimen for colonoscopy using prucalopride versus bisacodyl. Patients referred to the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Gastroenterology Department at the Hospital de Clínicas for colonoscopy (VCC) who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate in the study. Referrals will include both hospitalized patients and outpatients from various clinic services. Statistical Analysis Frequency tables and charts will be used to describe qualitative variables. Measures of central tendency and dispersion (mean ± standard deviation or median and interquartile range \[IQR\]) will be used for continuous variables depending on the distribution assessed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Associations between qualitative variables will be analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test when expected frequencies are less than 5. If a statistically significant association is found, the strength of the association will be expressed using the Relative Risk (RR) and its corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Differences between groups in normally distributed continuous variables will be analyzed using the Student's t-test for independent samples, and for non-normally distributed variables, the Mann-Whitney U test will be used. Adenoma detection rate and cecal intubation rate will be calculated as the number of new cases (detection or cecal intubation) per total number of procedures performed. These rates will be expressed using the appropriate constant K based on the number of patients, along with their 95% CI. The comparison between groups will be performed using a test for comparison of independent proportions. A significance level of α = 0.05 will be established. Statistical analysis will be performed using STATA v.18.0. Study Variables • Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) Conceptual definition: A scale used to assess bowel cleanliness during colonoscopy. Operational definition: Score 0: unprepared colon segment with mucosa not visualized due to solid stool that cannot be cleared. Score 1: portion of mucosa is seen, but other areas are obscured by staining, residual stool, and/or opaque liquid. Score 2: minor residual staining or small fragments of stool, but mucosa is adequately visualized. Score 3: entire mucosa is visible with no residual material. Type and scale: Qualitative, ordinal variable. Categories: Total score: 0-9. Adequate preparation: BBPS ≥ 2 in each colonic segment. Inadequate preparation: BBPS \< 2 in any segment. • Tolerance Conceptual definition: Refers to the presence or absence of specific symptoms during bowel preparation, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or distension, headache, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and rectal bleeding. Operational definition: Good tolerance: ≤ 3 symptoms. Moderate tolerance: 4-5 symptoms. Poor tolerance: ≥ 6 symptoms. Type and scale: Qualitative, ordinal variable. Categories: Good, Moderate, Poor. • Overall Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) Conceptual definition: A quality indicator for colonoscopy. An ADR ≥ 25% is considered acceptable (≥ 30% in men and ≥ 20% in women). Operational definition: Number of adenomas/adenocarcinomas (confirmed by histology) divided by the total number of colonoscopies performed, multiplied by 100. Type and scale: Quantitative, continuous variable; ratio scale. Values: 0-100%. • Overall Cecal Intubation Rate Conceptual definition: A quality indicator for colonoscopy. Considered acceptable if ≥ 95% in screening colonoscopies and ≥ 90% in other types of colonoscopies. Operational definition: Number of colonoscopies where the ileocecal valve is visualized divided by the total number of colonoscopies performed, multiplied by 100. Type and scale: Quantitative, continuous variable; ratio scale. Values: 0-100%. Data Collection Method Patient Recruitment: All patients scheduled for colonoscopy at the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate. Informed consent will be obtained after providing detailed explanations and resolving any questions. Data Collection Tool: Individual standardized forms with closed-ended questions will be completed for each participant. One of the principal investigators will gather the necessary information to complete the baseline data collection form, including demographic data, medical history, and patient-reported experience with bowel preparation.