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What Causes Fever, Diarrhea And Weight Loss After Rectal Cancer Surgery?

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Posted on Fri, 14 Aug 2015
Question: I have a question regarding a potential post-surgical infection in the large intestine/rectum region. My grandfather recently discovered he had early-stage upper rectal cancer. He went through surgery and had it removed. After tissue examination, the surgeon says the surgery was successful and they were able to remove the early-stage cancer. They stitched the intestine wound back up. However, he has had a fever (38-39 Celsius), diarrhea, and weight loss after surgery. The doctors believe that the wound might either be infected, not healed properly, or not stitched properly (causing there to be a potential opening). A stool sample showed no abnormal pathogens. If possible, I am hoping for some suggestion on what tests to do next to find the source of the high fever problem. I was told a colonoscopy might cause further damage to the wound and a radioactive enema might cause damage if it leaks into the abdominal cavity. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
An Ultrasound or a CT

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

When was the surgery performed ?

I am of the opinion that an abdominal ultrasound in expert hands should be good enough to detect a collection at the operative site

If that fails a CT with a water soluble contrast should surely help

Colonoscopy in anywas is not indicated in a recent surgery expert for management of an emergency

Get a complete blood count done that will also show the level of infection in the body

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja

Gastrointestinal Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 925 Questions

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What Causes Fever, Diarrhea And Weight Loss After Rectal Cancer Surgery?

Brief Answer: An Ultrasound or a CT Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing in When was the surgery performed ? I am of the opinion that an abdominal ultrasound in expert hands should be good enough to detect a collection at the operative site If that fails a CT with a water soluble contrast should surely help Colonoscopy in anywas is not indicated in a recent surgery expert for management of an emergency Get a complete blood count done that will also show the level of infection in the body Hope this helps Do write back in case of concern