Chromoendoscopy (CE) has been shown to generate both a superior diagnostic yield and dysplasia detection rate than conventional white-light endoscopy and requires a high-quality bowel preparation. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of the ability to perform CE in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

We performed an observational study of patients with IBD undergoing colorectal cancer surveillance examinations with CE. Same-day colonoscopy surveys were used to collect patient and procedural variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish odds ratios of successful completion of CE.

Eighty-eight patients with IBD were enrolled. We found that patients who did not follow a clear liquid diet before colonoscopy had much lower odds of being able to undergo CE (odds ratio, 0.106; 95% confidence interval, 0.013-0.845; P < .034). Further, we found that previously identified risk factors (older age, history of diabetes mellitus, the timing and split dosing of preparation solution, and procedure time (AM or PM), chronic narcotic use, and history of constipation) for inadequate bowel preparation were not associated with the ability to perform CE.

Following a clear liquid diet the entire day before the procedure was highly predictive of the ability to perform CE. However, established risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation did not inhibit the ability to perform CE in our population. Endoscopists performing CE should consider recommending that patients follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before their examination.