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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Constipation Post Abdominal Surgery?

Hi. My sister. 70 years old just had abdominal surgery on Tuesday. She has had to take a few pain killers but has never resorted to meds for previous surgery. Problem, constipation. It s increasing her pain. Is there anything natural, i.e., food that might help. I forgot the actual name of the surgery but her bladder and other things were beginning to fall due to age and our wonderful friend, gravity. Anything to suggest? An old sore, constipated woman needs your help. HELP!
Fri, 26 Feb 2016
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Your history suggests that your sister underwent surgery for prolapse.
Due to ageing, the pelvic organs- vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and bladder can prolapse due to weakening of the ligaments supporting them.
Constipation can follow surgery and the main causes of constipation post-surgery are use of narcotic pain killers, general anaesthesia, trauma to the intestine while operating, electrolyte imbalance, prolonged inactivity, lack of fiber in diet etc.
Thus, management of constipation post-surgery firstly consists of walking around as soon as doctor advises you to ambulate.
The diet should contain high fibers and fluids.
Use of narcotic pain killers should be avoided as much as possible.
Stool softener can be used after prescription from a doctor.
I suggest you to consult your surgeon for clinical assessment and prescribtion of drugs.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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What Causes Severe Constipation Post Abdominal Surgery?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Your history suggests that your sister underwent surgery for prolapse. Due to ageing, the pelvic organs- vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and bladder can prolapse due to weakening of the ligaments supporting them. Constipation can follow surgery and the main causes of constipation post-surgery are use of narcotic pain killers, general anaesthesia, trauma to the intestine while operating, electrolyte imbalance, prolonged inactivity, lack of fiber in diet etc. Thus, management of constipation post-surgery firstly consists of walking around as soon as doctor advises you to ambulate. The diet should contain high fibers and fluids. Use of narcotic pain killers should be avoided as much as possible. Stool softener can be used after prescription from a doctor. I suggest you to consult your surgeon for clinical assessment and prescribtion of drugs. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri