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
What Could Cause Lack Of Urge To Defecate After Having A Surgery?
Hi - I had surgery on Thursday (4 days ago), and have not had a bowel movement since then. I am usually very regular (2 times a day). I am taking Percoset for pain. I was on stool softeners to help, but ran out last night. I have not been eating as much as I normally do - most days only one meal (as opposed to three). I have tried a saline enema (twice) with no results - very, very little stool was present. I have not had the urge to defecate. I pass gas regularly. If I push as though I am trying to defecate, I usually either get the urge to urinate, or produce gas. How concerned should I be, and what additional steps can I take?
Thu, 6 Oct 2016
Hello,
1) Do not push too hard in try of defecation after abdominal surgery, this should not be done and that is why stool softener is prescribed after abdominal surgery to lessen effort of defecation
2) If you underwent surgery on intestine then your intestine must be emptied thoroughly with help of some liquid medications and due to this it is common not to have urging still 5 day after surgery
3) Bed ridden condition, slow intestinal movements after surgery are other factors to contribute in this
4) In such cases, stimulant suppositories are effective than saline enema
1) Do not push too hard in try of defecation after abdominal surgery, this should not be done and that is why stool softener is prescribed after abdominal surgery to lessen effort of defecation
2) If you underwent surgery on intestine then your intestine must be emptied thoroughly with help of some liquid medications and due to this it is common not to have urging still 5 day after surgery
3) Bed ridden condition, slow intestinal movements after surgery are other factors to contribute in this
4) In such cases, stimulant suppositories are effective than saline enema
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....