What Causes Hiccups After An Appendix Surgery?

Posted on Sun, 23 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 47 yr old brother had emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix 2 weeks ago tomorrow and has had hiccups since almost right after surgery. They let up for a few moments but then come back even more violent at times. He is on slmethicon and only 10 mg of thorazine for them. He has tried a few Ativan too. Nothing helps. Tried the sugar under the tongue and peanut butter. Nothing helps. Surgeon looked at his ct scan and he wasn't concerned cause they aren't constant. Well I would say he is hiccing 80-90 % of the time. Unaware of any other health problems. Any suggestions??

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Baclofen/Gabapentin will help Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing on HCM. Persistent hiccups may cause tiredness, exhaustion or poor sleep.They may cause psychological distress or embarrassment. Since the CT is normal hiccups may be due to the stimulation of the reflex pathway which activates the nerve and the associated muscles supplied. Semithicon is a anti-foaming agent to reduce bloating.I were to add Baclofen (relaxes the abdominal muscles) and Gabapentin in small doses if required (inhibits the nerve) when hiccups donot subside on thorazine-commonly tried. Hope this will help your brother to control his hiccups.He shall get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D