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What Causes Constipation After Having An Epidural For Spinal Stenosis?

Posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015

Question: last Thursday (Aug 13) I had an epidural injection for spinal stenosis - can that procedure lead to constipation???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes it can

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
Yes it can since epidural injection will affect nerves responsible for bowel contractions. Its effect may last up to 2 weeks. You should drink more fluids, eat high fibre food, take gicerin supossitories, Portalac or laxatives. It shozld improve within few days. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (5 hours later)

Thank you Doctor for your response. You refer to a time frame of 2 weeks - that seems like a long time. Have you seen cases where a patient's bowel was impacted by the shot for that long a period.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, its effect may last for that long since this is time required for excretion of anastetic. But it should subside day by day.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj