Preop Laxatives in Robotic Urologic Surgery

Recruiting now · Phase 4

Conditions studied: Prostate Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Constipation

In brief

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. Patients in both groups will receive the same postoperative bowel regimen including scheduled PEG both in the hospital and upon discharge until first bowel movement. Patients will be given a questionnaire and diary to record their postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms and time to first bowel movement. These questionnaires and diaries will then be analyzed to determine differences in time to first bowel movement and gastrointestinal complaints during their recovery from surgery.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05805436

Run by

Chad R. Tracy

People needed

240

Starts

2023-06-01

Expected to finish

2026-03-03

Last updated by the study team

2025-05-30

Who can join

Age: 30 and older, up to 100. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Patients 30 years or older undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, transperitoneal radical nephrectomy, or transperitoneal partial nephrectomy

You may not qualify if…

• 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

Where it is running

• University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics — Iowa City, Iowa, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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