docusate + polyethylene glycol 3350 + psyllium + bisacodyl

The bowel regimen studied by the University of Rochester is a standardized multi-component protocol designed to manage postoperative constipation, specifically in women undergoing minimally invasive urogynecologic surgery. This regimen is a combination of four over-the-counter medications: **docusate** (a stool softener), **polyethylene glycol 3350** (an osmotic laxative), **psyllium** (a bulk-forming fiber supplement), and **bisacodyl** (a stimulant laxative). The protocol typically involves twice-daily administration of docusate and bisacodyl (rectal), alongside daily psyllium wafers and polyethylene glycol. In a randomized controlled trial, this standardized approach was shown to significantly reduce the time to the first postoperative bowel movement by approximately 11.7 hours compared to docusate monotherapy, thereby improving patient recovery and comfort.

Brand names

MetamucilMiralax

Other names

Bowel medications-University of Rochester-postoperative constipationStandardized postoperative bowel regimenUniversity of Rochester bowel regimen