The effect of Polyethylene Glycol in prevention of constipation in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for non-cancerous gynaecological reasons

Constipation after surgery is a very common and uncomfortable problem that affects many patients recovering from an operation. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and distress. This randomised controlled trial is investigating whether giving patients a commonly available, gentle laxative called Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) for 7 days after a laparoscopic (keyhole) gynaecological operation reduces the likelihood of constipation compared to a placebo. The study is focused on women having elective keyhole surgery for non-cancerous gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or fibroids. Participants are randomly assigned to take either the laxative powder or an identical-looking placebo powder dissolved in water, twice daily for 7 days after surgery. Questionnaires about bowel function and side effects are completed before surgery and at 7 days and 6 weeks after the operation. You may be eligible if you are a woman between 18 and 60 years old who is scheduled for elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery for a benign (non-cancerous) reason, and speak English. Women with chronic bowel conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, kidney insufficiency, or planned bowel surgery as part of the procedure would not be eligible.