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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Prolonged Absence Of Bowel Movements?

My twelve year old son has not had a bowel movement for four days- he is nauseous and complaining of cramps. Increased water and fiber are not helping, nor has pedialax. He had surgery for a bowel obstruction as a baby. I can t get an appointment with the family doctor until next week, should I take him to the ER? Thank you
Tue, 20 Sep 2016
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history about your 12 year old son having surgery for bowel obstruction when he was a small child/baby and nor have constipation for 4 days wherein he has nausea and cramps. Increased water intake, fibers and Pedilax are not working.
Yes, take him to ER for clinical evaluation, examination, X-ray of the abdomen in standing position to see for fecolith, intestinal obstruction showing gas fluid levels.
Enema may help to work.
Conservative management by making him nil orally and intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
If this is not resolved by the medical management and if the follow-up X-rays/CT scan shows Obstruction surgery may be required.
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What Causes Prolonged Absence Of Bowel Movements?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history about your 12 year old son having surgery for bowel obstruction when he was a small child/baby and nor have constipation for 4 days wherein he has nausea and cramps. Increased water intake, fibers and Pedilax are not working. Yes, take him to ER for clinical evaluation, examination, X-ray of the abdomen in standing position to see for fecolith, intestinal obstruction showing gas fluid levels. Enema may help to work. Conservative management by making him nil orally and intravenous fluids and electrolytes. If this is not resolved by the medical management and if the follow-up X-rays/CT scan shows Obstruction surgery may be required.