Using preoperative laxatives to improve recovery after robotic urologic surgery

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

Phase 4 Interventional University of Iowa · NCT05805436

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

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT05805436 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 30 years or older scheduled for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy or nephrectomy.

Not a fit: Patients under 30, those with contraindications to laxatives, or those with specific gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerKidney CancerConstipation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.