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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Bloating And Stomach Discomfort Post A Colostomy?

My husband had a colostomy on Oct. 2. Surgeon removed 12 inches of ascending colon which included a 2 inch cancerous tumor. Surgeon recommended eating soft foods, broth, tea, etc. Husband started profuse bleeding which eventually dissipated. He came home and ate soft foods, noodle soup, bread, tuna fish salad, all small portions. Started throwing up for 12 hours and then returned to ER and hospital again. Stomach was pumped for 2 days. Pathology reports were fairly good - cancer was stage 2, low to intermediate, margins widely negative, 16 lymph nodes removed showed no sign of cancer. We will see oncologist next week although Surgeon recommended that no further treatment is needed. He still feels very bloated, uncomfortable around the stomach area, a little bleeding has begun. Do you think the problem is still his diet? He s afraid to eat anything.
Mon, 5 Mar 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

Colostomy after removal of cancerous ascending colon as described by you can give to some complications that lead to the symptoms of pain, bloating and vomiting. This indicates a possible intestinal obstruction.

Hence, I would advise him the following:
- X-ray of the abdomen in standing position
- Ultrasonography and still better a CT scan of the abdomen

If there is an intestinal obstruction conservative management by intravenous fluids, electrolytes and nil orally for a few days may help. Otherwise, he will need a corrective surgery.

If the obstruction is relieved by a conservative treatment then follow the liquid diet only for a few days or till recovery to avoid the further complications.

It is good that the cancer is in stage II; hence, it would be better to follow up with the Oncologist to see for further medical management of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant
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What Causes Bloating And Stomach Discomfort Post A Colostomy?

Hello, Colostomy after removal of cancerous ascending colon as described by you can give to some complications that lead to the symptoms of pain, bloating and vomiting. This indicates a possible intestinal obstruction. Hence, I would advise him the following: - X-ray of the abdomen in standing position - Ultrasonography and still better a CT scan of the abdomen If there is an intestinal obstruction conservative management by intravenous fluids, electrolytes and nil orally for a few days may help. Otherwise, he will need a corrective surgery. If the obstruction is relieved by a conservative treatment then follow the liquid diet only for a few days or till recovery to avoid the further complications. It is good that the cancer is in stage II; hence, it would be better to follow up with the Oncologist to see for further medical management of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant