The study, outlined in this article, aimed to ascertain the effect of length of surgery and opioid consumption on length of stay and bowel dysfunction, and to review current post-operative bowel practices. A retrospective case note review was carried out of all patients with a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (n=44) who had undergone a posterior spinal fusion between January 2012 and May 2014. Mean length of surgery was 3:24 hours (±0:40 hours), while average length of stay was 6 days (mean 6.27 days ±2.39). Average opioid consumption post-operatively was 152.15mg (±60.95mg). There were no statistically significant associations. Some form of laxative was received by 93% of (n=41) patients. Of those, 20 required an enema before discharge. This was most commonly administered on post-operative days four and five (65%). This service evaluation demonstrated that length of surgery and amount of opioid have no significant effect on length of stay for young people following a posterior spinal fusion. It is suggested that lactulose and senna are given in combination at doses as per the British National Formulary for Children starting on post-operative day two, which should avoid the need to administer an enema.