STIMUlant and osmotic LAXatives in Postoperative Ileus

This trial is for adults who are having planned (elective) bowel surgery, such as removal of part of the large bowel (colorectal resection), reversal of a stoma, or formation of a new stoma. After bowel surgery, it is very common for the gut to temporarily stop working properly — a condition called postoperative ileus (POI). This causes nausea, bloating, inability to eat, and a delay in passing wind or stools, which often means a longer stay in hospital. This study tests whether giving patients a combination of two types of laxatives — a stimulant laxative (Coloxyl with Senna) and an osmotic laxative (Movicol) — after surgery helps the gut start working again sooner. This is tested within a modern 'enhanced recovery' surgical program, which already includes many strategies to reduce complications and speed recovery. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the laxative combination or standard care. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, having elective colorectal surgery at Royal Adelaide Hospital, and are able to give consent. People with allergies to the study laxatives, severe heart failure, active inflammatory bowel disease, significant kidney or liver problems, or who are pregnant are not eligible.