The Severity of Symptoms after Preparation for Colonoscopy in Irritable Bowel Syndromes

The use of laxatives reduces the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to the change in intestinal microbial flora. Reduction of worry and anxiety after colonoscopy can play a role in reducing symptoms in these patients. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the symptoms in IBS patients in the short, medium, and long term after colonoscopy. In this descriptive study, 70 IBS patients who were candidates for colonoscopy were selected. The severity of symptoms of IBS was evaluated before colonoscopy and at intervals of one, four, and twelve after colonoscopy using the ROMEIV criteria and IBSSS questionnaire. The changes in the severity of the disease during the studied intervals were analyzed. Since receiving preparations is unpleasant for patients, therefore, the control group was not considered. The average score of IBS severity before colonoscopy was 296.71 ± 87.2. One,4 and 12 weeks after colonoscopy was 226.9 ± 85.8, 191.1 ± 88.4, and 154.1 ± 84.8 respectively, compared to before treatment, the mean difference was 142.6±85.4 and the trend of IBS severity changes showed a significant decrease during 12 weeks after colonoscopy (P < 0.001). Colonoscopy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome not only does not aggravate the symptoms of the disease, but also reduces the symptoms, and performing this procedure should not be avoided in those who have indications for colonoscopy.