Hi,I am Dr. Subhankar Chakraborty (Gastroenterologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
What Causes Frequent Urge For Defaction After A Rectosigmoidectomy?
Hi my husband is 12 days post op from a rectosigmoidectomy. No colostomy bag. On a low fibre diet. His bowel movements yesterday were very frequent with very small pieces of feces. He has a constant urge to go to the toilet but without ever feeling empty. Also concerning is the mucous discharge from his Anus and coating his feces. What is this and is it normal and when can he expect for normal habits to resume
Hello, I can understand your concern for your husband's symptoms. 1) Mucus discharge per rectum on early postoperative period is normal. No treatment would require for this. 2) Main function of rectum is as reservoir and also propellent for feces during defecation. These both functions will be absent after removal of rectum, therefore patient feel frequent urges for defecation with feel of incomplete defecation. 3) Over the time body would accept this new habit as rectum is absent and it would be normalised over the period of 1-2 months. 4) If stool consistency is hard and require straining to defecate then it is beneficial to start stool softener.
Hope I answered your query. If you have any further doubts, I would be happy to help you. Have a good day!
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What Causes Frequent Urge For Defaction After A Rectosigmoidectomy?
Hello, I can understand your concern for your husband s symptoms. 1) Mucus discharge per rectum on early postoperative period is normal. No treatment would require for this. 2) Main function of rectum is as reservoir and also propellent for feces during defecation. These both functions will be absent after removal of rectum, therefore patient feel frequent urges for defecation with feel of incomplete defecation. 3) Over the time body would accept this new habit as rectum is absent and it would be normalised over the period of 1-2 months. 4) If stool consistency is hard and require straining to defecate then it is beneficial to start stool softener. Hope I answered your query. If you have any further doubts, I would be happy to help you. Have a good day!