Abstract

Background:
The porcine model is valuable in biomedical research for its close anatomical, pathophysiological, and genetic similarity to humans, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). This similarity establishes the pig as an optimal model for investigating digestive diseases. However, direct use of human GI protocols, such as colonoscopy, is hindered by species-specific feeding behavior and extensive intestinal length.

Aim:
This study aimed to develop a bowel preparation protocol for pigs to facilitate advanced experimental GI studies.

Methods:
Four hybrid swine (Landrace × Large White; 115–260 kg) were assigned to two groups (n =2 each) to evaluate preparation methodologies. The control group underwent a 16-hour fast followed by a rectal osmotic laxative. The experimental group received an optimized protocol of 5 g/kg/day of oral Polyethylene Glycol 4000 mixed with dry feed, followed by a 16-hour fast and a rectal osmotic laxative two hours before the procedure.

Results:
Control group exhibited unsatisfactory luminal cleansing, requiring intra-procedural lavage. The experimental group achieved adequate mucosal visualization, obviating additional cleansing. The optimized regimen was well tolerated, with no adverse effects.

Conclusion:
The study resulted in an effective and reproducible bowel preparation protocol, demonstrating utility in high-body-weight swine, enhancing the model’s utility for advanced gastroenterology research. Further studies with larger samples are still needed.

Key words: Bowel preparation; Colonoscopy; GI tract; Pigs.