The Efficacy of Senna Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #cathartics #colonoscopy #sennosides #patient-compliance

The Efficacy of Senna Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Tian et al., Unknown | Gastroenterol Nurs | Meta Analysis

Citation

Tian Hefeng, Fan Ying, ... Wang Xiu. The Efficacy of Senna Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gastroenterol Nurs. ;45(6):428-439. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000664

Abstract

The quality of bowel preparation is an extremely important determinant of colonoscopy results. However, the efficacy of senna regimens in improving bowel cleanliness is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize data on whether using a senna bowel preparation regimen enhances the bowel cleanliness. We searched Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases (from the inception to August 2021). The primary efficacy outcome was bowel cleanliness. Secondary outcomes included patient compliance, tolerance, and adverse events. Eleven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria (3,343 patients. Overall, we found no significant differences in bowel cleanliness between the senna regimen and other bowel preparation regimens (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.02 [0.63, 1.67], p = 0.93). There was significant difference in tolerance (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.66 [1.08, 2.54], p = .02) and compliance (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.05 [1.42, 6.55], p = .004). The senna regimen yielded a significantly greater proportion of no nausea (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.84 [1.45, 2.32]) and vomiting (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.65 [0.81, 3.35]). Compared with other bowel preparation regimens, the senna regimen may be effective and safe in bowel cleaning before colonoscopy, with superior compliance and tolerance.

Key Findings

Compared with other bowel preparation regimens, the senna regimen may be effective and safe in bowel cleaning before colonoscopy, with superior compliance and tolerance.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3343
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Cathartics
  • Colonoscopy
  • Sennosides
  • Patient Compliance
  • Polyethylene Glycols

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: senna

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-12