Riassunto dello studio

Eighty-seven patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomized to receive either a preoperative bowel preparation with bisacodyl (n=44) or no preoperative medication (n=43). The primary outcome of interest was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included postoperative abdominal symptoms, abdominal girth changes, use of laxatives, and time to bowel movement. Outcomes were assessed during the immediate postoperative period up to discharge. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the bisacodyl group had significantly shorter hospital stays, reduced abdominal girth, and required fewer postoperative laxatives (though not statistically significant). These findings suggest that a simple preoperative bowel preparation may reduce postoperative gastrointestinal complications and hospital stay in this population.