What Causes Reduced Bowel Movement And Distention Of Abdomen After Radical Cystectomy?

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015

Question: I had a radical cystectomy friday 2/6/15. My Dr wants to discharge me today from hospital. What medications i need to make sure i go home with? Antibiotics? Also i only had one bowel movement on the second day after surgery. I am still very distended. Is that normal? Also, when would the results from pathology that were sent from surgery will be back? I just just want to make sure i ask the right questions before i go home?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is normal to have distention of abdomen for couple of days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for fresh query.

It is normal for bowel movements (Peristalsis) to be deranged after any major abdominal surgical procedure .

You can take antibiotics as advised by your treating surgeon and take light ,soft diet for a week or 2 till your bowel movements come to normal .

The histopathological report of the tissue sent for takes one week.

Hope I have answered your query ,please feel free to ask if you have more questions I shall be happy to help you
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (17 hours later)

Thank you. Another question? I had a chronic subdural hemtoma evacuation 4 years ago. Since i just had a radical cystectomy 4 days ago, they have been giving me heparin injections at the
hospital, and i will take lovenox at home for 30 days .
Is that ok or contraindicated?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It will not have any side effect

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up.
Lovenox is given to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis that is common at this age .It will not have any effect on your Subdural Hematoma which is already cured 4 years back,
Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (3 hours later)

I just got out of hospital last night after my cysttectomy. I threw up a little bit. Its 5 in the morning. Im just concern is that normal.?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing again .
These minor issues are normal for couple of days and mostly due to drug induced gastritis.
Do not worry at all .They are bound to settle over a period of time within 2 weeks .
You can take antacids along with antibiotics that you have been prescribed for .
Thanks And Regards.
Dr.Patil.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (46 hours later)

Hi Dr XXXXXXX

Thank you for your response. So now its been exactly a week after my radical cystectomy. My stomach continues to be very distended and is very painful too. I have a lot of gas apperently. I'm not really eating much solid food only fluids. I dont have appetite but i was told to keep hidrated. My last BOwel movement was two days ago, should i be worry about that? I have been passing gas only but very little though. Shoukd i be worry?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry at all.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for follow up .
All the problems that you are going through are anticipated in such a major surgery.and it taks time to get them resolved .

You can carry out moderate exercises or Yogas ,that will help to improve your digestion and increase bowel movements .

Please note that time is a great healer and one has to have patience and self confidence.

Do not worry you are bound to be normal over a period of time .

Thanks and Regards.
Dr.Patil.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar