The Efficacy and Safety of Combined Senna and Probiotic-Based Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Children

Background and objective Bowel preparation (BP) is a major determinant of accurate and successful colonoscopy and its outcomes in children and adults. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a senna alkaloid and probiotic-based BP in children undergoing elective colonoscopy. Methods Children aged 2-15 years who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) and colonoscopy for various indications from December 2018 to May 2019 at the Apollo Children’s Hospital who were prescribed a senna and probiotic-based [Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans)] preparation before the procedure were included in the study. The effectiveness of the bowel preparation was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Safety assessment was performed by recording adverse events in the study. Results Successful bowel preparation was observed in all patients according to BBPS, and the mean BBPS score was 2.93 ±0.25, indicating good bowel clearance. About 29 (96.67%) patients showed accessible terminal ileum. There were no major side effects reported in the study. The formulation was found to be palatable and acceptable by 100% of patients. Conclusion The study revealed the administration of the novel BP to be effective and safe in children undergoing elective colonoscopy for various indications.