Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
I Have Constipation Inspite Of Using Diltiazem Ointment, Glycerin Suppositories, Mineral Oil Enema And Stool Softeners
I have had constipation for most of my life and had piles for years along with fissures.I had sphinctotomy about 10 years ago. It helped for a few months but gradually it got worse. I had anal fissures and pain. I was prescribed nitroglycerin which helped for a while but my doctor said I had anal spasm which caused a lot of problem. When nitro stopped workin, my dictor prescribed Diltiazem ointment . that worked for a while but is less effective now. I use glycerin suppositories, mineral oil enema and stool softeners. Still have problems. At 76 I am too old for surgery. What should I do?
Mon, 23 Jan 2017
Hi,
I noted the history of recurrent anal fissure, piles due to constipation all your life, got operated
- sphincterotomy 10 years ago, helped for a few months only
- used Nitroglycerine then Diliazem ointment and so on, the problem is persistent now at the age of 76, feeling too old to get operated again. This is a classical case of not healing anal fissures and as you have ointment out the surgery and ointments worked only for a few months and you are also taking glycerine suppository, mineral oil enema and stool softeners.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
- Bowel training in such a way that you stop straining at stool, which is a contributory factor for not getting cured.
- Sitz bath daily before and after passing stools.
- Change in diet and beverages so that the constipation and instigating factors are stopped completely.
Consult a General Surgeon or a Proctologist and anal dilatation under anesthesia should help you a lot if done properly. Passing of the anal dilators regularly to keep the anus normal works, this can be done by your-self.
Consider all the factors that instigate or enhance your problems and stop them altogether to get a proper result. Since the problem is long standing, you need a colonoscopy and biopsy if some suspicious lesions are present.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant
I noted the history of recurrent anal fissure, piles due to constipation all your life, got operated
- sphincterotomy 10 years ago, helped for a few months only
- used Nitroglycerine then Diliazem ointment and so on, the problem is persistent now at the age of 76, feeling too old to get operated again. This is a classical case of not healing anal fissures and as you have ointment out the surgery and ointments worked only for a few months and you are also taking glycerine suppository, mineral oil enema and stool softeners.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
- Bowel training in such a way that you stop straining at stool, which is a contributory factor for not getting cured.
- Sitz bath daily before and after passing stools.
- Change in diet and beverages so that the constipation and instigating factors are stopped completely.
Consult a General Surgeon or a Proctologist and anal dilatation under anesthesia should help you a lot if done properly. Passing of the anal dilators regularly to keep the anus normal works, this can be done by your-self.
Consider all the factors that instigate or enhance your problems and stop them altogether to get a proper result. Since the problem is long standing, you need a colonoscopy and biopsy if some suspicious lesions are present.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Rectum
Loading Online Doctors....
People also viewed