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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 Sigmoid Colectomy?

I had chronic diverticulitis (7 infections in 2 years). I underwent a sigmoid coloctemy at the end of January 2015...In the last two months I ve noticed I am constipated a lot...I take Metamucil daily as well as drink about 6 oz of prune juice and 6-8 prunes daily..I also drink at least 66 oz of water daily...Im just concerned as Im not as regular as I used to be...
Thu, 24 Sep 2015
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted your history of sigmoid colectomy for diverticuliltis in Jan 2015.
Since you have developed constipation for last 2 months, it means the first 7 months after surgery were fine.
It is easy to imagine the cause of it, as this may be due to change in diet habits, timings and so on or concomitant development of IBS-C.
I would advise you the following:
- First of all, get your stool tests done for 3 consecutive days.
Get started on another laxative.
Note the foods and beverages that instigate or enhance constipation and stop them.
If the simple measures fail, you may need a colonoscopy and other investigations to see for the root-cause and get treated accordingly.
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What Causes Severe Constipation Post Sigmoid Colectomy?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted your history of sigmoid colectomy for diverticuliltis in Jan 2015. Since you have developed constipation for last 2 months, it means the first 7 months after surgery were fine. It is easy to imagine the cause of it, as this may be due to change in diet habits, timings and so on or concomitant development of IBS-C. I would advise you the following: - First of all, get your stool tests done for 3 consecutive days. Get started on another laxative. Note the foods and beverages that instigate or enhance constipation and stop them. If the simple measures fail, you may need a colonoscopy and other investigations to see for the root-cause and get treated accordingly.