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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Constipation After A Surgery?

i think my husband is severely constipated. He had an xray of his abdomen two days ago and they said there was just gas, but he has not had a bm with firm stool for 15 days and I am concerned that he might have a blockage. He does not pass gas, has no abdominal pain , but had surgery 15 days ago and is very weak still. I don t know if I am worrying for no reason. We have tried Miralax and he had diarhhea, just brown water with no solid stool.
Fri, 22 Dec 2017
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hello. Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic. Often after a surgery a patient might get constipation. If gas is also not passing it is obstinate constipation. Causes could be narcotic pain relievers, side effect of anesthesia, post trauma, electrolyte or fluid imbalance, inactivity, insufficient Fibre in diet. It is important to start walking if you can, limit opioid pain killers as they slow down the gut motility, take a stool softener or a Fibre laxative. In severe cases you might need stimulant laxatives, suppository or enema for which you need to consult your surgeon. Long standing constipation might cause anal fissures, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction or rectal prolapse. So it is important to see your surgeon for relief. Hope I helped. Thanks.
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What Causes Severe Constipation After A Surgery?

Hello. Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic. Often after a surgery a patient might get constipation. If gas is also not passing it is obstinate constipation. Causes could be narcotic pain relievers, side effect of anesthesia, post trauma, electrolyte or fluid imbalance, inactivity, insufficient Fibre in diet. It is important to start walking if you can, limit opioid pain killers as they slow down the gut motility, take a stool softener or a Fibre laxative. In severe cases you might need stimulant laxatives, suppository or enema for which you need to consult your surgeon. Long standing constipation might cause anal fissures, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction or rectal prolapse. So it is important to see your surgeon for relief. Hope I helped. Thanks.