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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 Undergoing A Lung Surgery?

following surgery 2.5 years ago to remove half left lung I have suffered constantly from continuing constipation Stool no longer normal [ tight balls wound together rather than normal sausage like shape ] Completely unable to institute favorable change. Laxative results in very difficult diarrhea within short time. My MD seems perplexed
Mon, 19 Dec 2022
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Your present constipation most probably not related to the surgery you had undergone. The following are few causes of constipation:
1) Change in diet
2) Hypothyroidism
3) Hypercalcemia
4) Irritable bowel syndrome
5) Immobility
6) Medications like opioids, calcium channel blockers
7) Diabetes mellitus
8) Multiple sclerosis
9) Parkinson's disease
10) Benign or malignant gut tumors.

If your constipation, doesn't relieve with regular medication, you need to be investigated for the above conditions. The following are treatment options to relieve constipation:
1) Very high fiber diet like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds
2) Avoid white bread as it causes constipation
3) Syrup lactulose 15-20 ml daily at night
4) If lactulose is ineffective, syrup Cremaffin 7-10 ml at night must work.
5) Drink more water like up to 12-15 glasses.
6) Eat whole fruits, whole grains for high fiber.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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Anesthesiologist,  Dr. Pallavi.m's  Response
Hello,

Constipation is common after a major surgery because of large fluid shifts within the body, prolonged periods of inactivity, multiple medications, narcotic pain relievers, or changes to diet, especially insufficient fiber. A few tips to relieve constipation are high fiber diet, lactulose syrup at bed time, regular physical activity, and bulk forming foods. Foods that cause constipation are to be avoided. Avoid straining at stools.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
I find this answer helpful
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What Causes Severe Constipation After Undergoing A Lung Surgery?

Hello, Your present constipation most probably not related to the surgery you had undergone. The following are few causes of constipation: 1) Change in diet 2) Hypothyroidism 3) Hypercalcemia 4) Irritable bowel syndrome 5) Immobility 6) Medications like opioids, calcium channel blockers 7) Diabetes mellitus 8) Multiple sclerosis 9) Parkinson s disease 10) Benign or malignant gut tumors. If your constipation, doesn t relieve with regular medication, you need to be investigated for the above conditions. The following are treatment options to relieve constipation: 1) Very high fiber diet like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds 2) Avoid white bread as it causes constipation 3) Syrup lactulose 15-20 ml daily at night 4) If lactulose is ineffective, syrup Cremaffin 7-10 ml at night must work. 5) Drink more water like up to 12-15 glasses. 6) Eat whole fruits, whole grains for high fiber. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist