Nurettin ŞAHİN, Ufuk Mete YILDIZ
Comprehensive Medicine - 2026;18(1):81-91
Objective: The effectiveness of bowel preparation in colonoscopy is influenced by several factors, including the type of preparation used, timing, and level of hydration. However, the impact of water temperature consumed during bowel preparation on cleansing quality has not been adequately described in the literature. This prospective observational study aimed to compare the effects of cold and lukewarm water consumption during bowel preparation on bowel cleansing quality, patient tolerance, and procedure-related outcomes. Materials and Methods: A total of 260 patients were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups according to the temperature of the water consumed during bowel preparation: cold water (2-6 dereceC) and lukewarm water (24-28 dereceC). All patients followed the same bowel preparation protocol, consisting of a sodium phosphate solution and an enema. Bowel cleansing quality was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Results: Nausea was more frequently observed in the lukewarm water group (p=0.030), while no significant differences were found in other adverse effects. The withdrawal time was shorter in the lukewarm water group (2.7+/-1.5 min vs. 3.2+/-1.8 min; p=0.003). The mean total BBPS score was significantly higher in the lukewarm water group (7.37+/-1.67 vs. 6.43+/-2.17; p<0.001). Conclusion: Consumption of lukewarm water during bowel preparation significantly improved bowel cleansing quality, enhanced patient tolerance, and reduced procedure time. These findings suggest that water temperature is an overlooked yet important variable that should be considered in routine colonoscopy preparation protocols.
