Optimization of Postoperative Bowel Habits

Last updated: February 25, 2026
Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Constipation

Treatment

Senna Tab

Dulcolax Suppositories

Clinical Study ID

NCT06335797
IRB00110733
  • Ages > 18
  • Female

Study Summary

Project is a trial, in which women undergoing vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse will be randomized 1:1 to a postoperative bowel regimen of either oral senna or rectal bisacodyl suppository.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Women ages 18 and older scheduled to undergo vaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Women younger than 18 years old

  • Those unable to provide consent

  • Preexisting chronic laxative use

  • Conditions that could affect bowel function including, inflammatory bowel disease,irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, rectovaginal fistula; concurrent bowelsurgery; intraoperative bowel injury

Study Design

Total Participants: 88
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Senna Tab
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 16, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
May 31, 2027

Study Description

Delayed return to bowel function following vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse has been deemed to be highly distressing for patients, and is ranked as one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits and telephone calls in the immediate post-operative period.

Despite the prevalence of constipation and significant effect on quality of life, few studies have examined an evidence-based bowel regimen for postoperative constipation prevention in the Urogynecology population.

As per available medical literature, the onset of action for oral senna occurs within 6-12 hours, while bisacodyl suppository can take effect between 15 and 60 minutes following rectal administration. Proposed trial comparing oral senna to rectal bisacodyl suppositories for the prevention of postoperative constipation in women undergoing vaginal reconstructive surgery for symptomatic prolapse.

Connect with a study center

  • Wake Forest University Health Sciences

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Wake Forest University Health Sciences

    Winston-Salem 4499612, North Carolina 4482348 27157
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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