Does Anesthesia Cause Constipation?

Posted on Mon, 20 Apr 2015

Question: I've never had problems going to the bathroom in the past.... But, I had surgery on my left eye, twice in 7 days, and as a result of the anesthesia I became constipated. Although I took several laxatives over a 3 week period, I still couldn't go. I ended up in the Emergancy Room, where I finally went. About 3 days before I went, my body began to smell. I had a colonoscopy 3 days later, and all went well. However, while I am going a bit, I still feel like I'm can't get it all out. Also, while nobody else has said anything, my body continues to smell and the smell is getting worse. It makes me feel sick and people tell me my color doesn't look good. Could I have poisoned my body?

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
get yourself clinically examined and investigated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing your query.
Being constipated is not good for health. It will be helpful if you mention the laxatives you have taken. Lactulose is a good laxative, which may help you. You should also drink lots of water daily in addition to adding fibre rich foods and salads in your diet. Some fruits which may be helpful are guava and papaya. Following investigations may be helpful to know the harm, if any to your body:-
1. Liver Function Test ( LFT ).
2. Complete Blood Count ( CBC ).
3. Kidney Function Test ( KFT ).
I would also suggest that you should get yourself clinically examined and investigated by a Gastroentologist. Further medical management can be planned according to the clinical evaluation done by your Gastroentologist and according to the reports of the above mentioned investigations.
I hope this is helpful to you. If you have any further query, I will be happy to help.
Regards. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (6 hours later)

Why would my boby sell so bad, especially when I sweat? It's so bad, I feel like Ican taste it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
get yourself examined by a Dermatologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your response.
Body odor is due to action of bacteria on the skin with the sweat resulting in production of some acids which causes the bad smell of the sweat. It can also be seen as a result of some liver disease and due to some medications. A clinical examination by a Dermatologist will help in knowing the exact cause of your symptoms.
I hope this answers your query. If you have any further doubts, please mention.
Regards. Thanks.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar