The use of senna with docusate for postoperative constipation after pelvic reconstructive surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to compare time to first bowel movement (BM) after surgery in subjects randomized to placebo or senna with docusate.


METHODS
Ninety-six subjects completed a baseline 7-day bowel diary before and after surgery. After pelvic reconstructive surgery, the subjects were randomized to either placebo (n=45) or senna (8.6 mg) with docusate (50 mg) (n=48). Time to first BM and postoperative use of magnesium citrate were compared.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the time to first BM in those receiving senna with docusate vs placebo (3.00+/-1.50 vs 4.05+/-1.50 days; P<.002). More subjects in the placebo group needed to use magnesium citrate to initiate a bowel movement (43.6% vs 7.0%; P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of senna with docusate decreases time to first BM in those undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery compared with placebo. Subjects using senna with docusate are also significantly less likely to use magnesium citrate.
Patel
Minita
M
Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT 06106, USA. mpatel@harthosp.org
Schimpf
Megan O
MO
O'Sullivan
David M
DM
LaSala
Christine A
CA
D019343:Citric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004143:Dioctyl Sulfosuccinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000601:surgery; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D029846:Senna Plant; D013501:Surface-Active Agents
D054368:Laxatives; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D004143:Dioctyl Sulfosuccinic Acid; D019343:Citric Acid; C110422:magnesium citrate