Influence of mechanical bowel preparation on GI microbiota
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does mechanical bowel preparation destabilise the gut microbiota, providing a window of opportunity to influence diverticulosis?
IRAS ID
241337
Contact name
Marie Lewis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
The mechanical bowel preparation (BP) used to clean the colon prior to colonoscopy (examination of the colon and rectum with a flexible camera) frequently results in a significant but temporary reduction in patient's symptoms for a number of bowel disorders including symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The cause of this improvement is unknown.
We hypothesise that changes to the gut microbial population (microbiota) are responsible for this improvement and that the repopulation of the GI tract with bacteria following colonoscopy results in a return of their normal symptoms. This pilot study will test this in a preliminary way by examining the stool and urine of patients before and after bowel preparation to detect any destabilising effect that BP has on the gut microbiota and to what extent the microbiota repopulates at 3 months
If the study provides evidence to support this hypothesis, ity will show that BP generates a ‘window of opportunity’ in which to influence the subsequent re-establishment of the microbiota. This is with the eventual aim of correcting potential dysbiosis and preventing the progression of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD).REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0249
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion