Using preoperative laxatives to improve recovery after robotic urologic surgery
Official title: The Use of Preoperative Osmotic Laxatives to Improve Recovery of Bowel Function After Robotic-assisted Urologic Surgery
Run by University of Iowa · NCT05805436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if taking a laxative before robotic surgery for prostate or kidney cancer can help patients recover better and feel less discomfort afterward.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 30 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 2, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 3, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05805436 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 30 years or older scheduled for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy or nephrectomy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 30, those with contraindications to laxatives, or those with specific gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a preoperative osmotic laxative, polyethylene glycol (PEG), on bowel recovery and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries for prostate and kidney cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive PEG for three days before surgery or to a control group without the laxative. The goal is to determine if preoperative laxatives can enhance postoperative recovery and reduce issues like nausea and abdominal distension. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes following minimally invasive urologic procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery times and reduced gastrointestinal discomfort for patients undergoing robotic urologic surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of preoperative laxatives is common, this specific approach has not been extensively tested in the context of robotic urologic surgery, making it a novel investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chad Tracy, MD
- Email: chad-tracy@uiowa.edu
- Phone: +1 319 335 8056
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Virtual exercise program to preserve function and prevent disability during chemotherapy
This trial tests whether supervised resistance sessions by video plus short home aerobic workouts help adults 18–64 maintain strength and stay active while receiving curative-intent chemotherapy.
-
Visual decision tools to support urologists treating prostate and kidney cancer
This project will test whether giving urologists visual decision-support tools changes how they talk with patients newly diagnosed with localized prostate or kidney cancer.
-
Using brodalumab to treat immune-related side effects from cancer therapy
This study is testing if brodalumab can help cancer patients who are having immune-related side effects from their immunotherapy treatment feel better.
-
Using Riluzole to Help Breast Cancer Survivors with Cognitive Issues
This study is testing if the medication riluzole can help breast cancer survivors who are having trouble with thinking and memory feel better.
-
High- vs Low-Intensity Patient Navigation to Increase Patient Participation in Cancer Clinical Programs
This project tests whether a high-intensity patient navigation program helps adults with prostate or kidney cancer enroll in clinical trials more than a lower-intensity navigation approach.
-
MRI-guided radiotherapy for cancer treatment
This study is testing a new way of giving radiation therapy for cancer that uses MRI technology to better target tumors and improve treatment for patients with different types of cancer.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.