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.