The Use of Preoperative Osmotic Laxatives to Improve Recovery of Bowel Function After Robotic-assisted Urologic Surgery

Description

Minimally-invasive surgery, either laparoscopic or robotic, is commonly used in urology. Several urologic procedures including prostatectomy, radical nephrectomy, and partial nephrectomy are now commonly performed robotically. Patients undergoing these procedures often have delayed return of bowel function and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea/vomiting, abdominal distension, and bloating for several days to weeks after surgery. Postoperative stool softeners and laxatives are routinely used in an effort to minimize these symptoms, with varying degrees of success. The aim of this study will be to evaluate whether the use of a preoperative osmotic laxative will be beneficial in improving recovery of bowel function and alleviating postoperative gastrointestinal complaints in patients undergoing these procedures. Patients will be randomized to either receive or not receive three days of polyethylene glycol (PEG, also known as MiraLAX) on the three days before surgery. Pa

Trial Eligibility

Inclusion criteria: -Patients 30 years or older undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, transperitoneal radical nephrectomy, or transperitoneal partial nephrectomy Exclusion criteria: * Patients under 30 years old * Patients with a contraindication to receiving polyethylene glycol or other forms of laxatives * People who regularly take Miralax * Patients undergoing retroperitoneal radical or partial nephrectomy * Patients with severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease * Patients with intestinal diversions (colostomy, ileostomy) * Patients with prior abdominal or pelvic radiation * Patients who will not follow up with UIHC postoperatively * Patients who are incarcerated

Study Info

Interventions

Locations Recruiting

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