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Suggest Treatment For Constipation After A Bowel Resection?

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Posted on Tue, 31 Mar 2015
Question: I had a bowel resection 2.5 years ago. Now having problems with constipation. (Had two colonoscopies both were good since then) Could scar tissue a this date be causing restriction or constipation. Last Colonoscopy was in XXXXXXX 2014. My Dr. is telling me that the present constipation cannot be caused by blockage via the date of the last Colonoscopy. He recommends stool softeners but they are giving me diarrhea and thin pencil line stool. I just want to get back to normal. Any advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Add fibre to your diet and use osmotic laxatives

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Scar tissue could be a cause of constipation.

Since you have had a history of bowel resecetion i would advise you to do a CT scan of whole abdomen.

You can add fiber to your diet which will increase the weight of your stool.

You need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day.Diet should include whole grain breads and cereals.

I would also recommend sodium phosphate enema which is a osmotic laxative for your constipation.

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (35 minutes later)
Do you think that a return of colon cancer could be causing the blockage (what i fear the most) in light of all the clean colonoscopies?

Why would scar tissue be causing a problem now after almost 3 years?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Fresh colonoscopy test and CT scan of whole abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Sometimes return of colon cancer can cause blockage leading to constipation.

Cancer deposits may grow in the abdomen interfering with the bowel function.

Since your last colonoscopy was done on XXXXXXX 2014 i would advise you to do a fresh colonoscopy test to rule out return of malignancy.

It is very rare for scar tissue to cause problem after 3 years.

I will also advise you to do a CT scan of whole abdomen to see if there is any space occupying lesion in colorectal region and scar tissue formation leading to constipation which may require surgery to reverse.

Regards

DR DE
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
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Answered by
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Dr. Monish De

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2229 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation After A Bowel Resection?

Brief Answer: Add fibre to your diet and use osmotic laxatives Detailed Answer: Hi Scar tissue could be a cause of constipation. Since you have had a history of bowel resecetion i would advise you to do a CT scan of whole abdomen. You can add fiber to your diet which will increase the weight of your stool. You need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day.Diet should include whole grain breads and cereals. I would also recommend sodium phosphate enema which is a osmotic laxative for your constipation. Regards DR DE