Clinical Experimental Study on the Impact of PEG Laxatives for Intestinal Preparation on Gut Microbiota in Patients Undergoing Cholecystectomy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxatives used for bowel preparation affect the gut microbiota in people who have had their gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy). Both cholecystectomy and high doses of PEG are known to change the intestinal microbial balance, but it is unclear if those without a gallbladder experience more lasting changes after PEG use. This observational study compares individuals with and without prior cholecystectomy to better understand these effects. Participants include about 20 adults aged 18 to 75, split into two groups: those who had cholecystectomy at least six months before and those with an intact gallbladder, matched by age and sex. All participants undergo standard colonoscopy preparation using 2 to 4 liters of PEG-based laxative, following routine clinical practice. Stool samples are self-collected at five time points: before bowel preparation, at the first non-watery stool after colonoscopy, and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-colonoscopy. During the study, stool samples will be analyzed using advanced sequencing techniques to assess changes in gut microbial diversity and composition over time. Researchers will compare these changes within and between groups to see if gallbladder removal affects microbiota recovery after PEG exposure. The main measurement is gut microbial diversity across the five collection points. Safety and adherence to sample collection will be monitored, and the total participation duration spans over six months post-colonoscopy.

PEG Laxatives for Intestinal Preparation and Gut Microbiota in Cholecystectomy