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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Constipation After Spinal Epidural Procedure?

I had a spinal epidural for lower back pain 1 and1/2 weeks ago.I have felt no urge to have a bowel movement since then.I have tried miralax and fiber on and off for about a week.I still have only had a couple of very slight bowel movements.I don t have any pain and feel fine.My dr that did the procedure said this would have nothing to do with the injection,but this is totally not regular for me
Tue, 25 Feb 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

* There can be various reasons for constipation after epidural procedure as

- immobility
- low fluid intake
- the procedure-related effect over parasympathetic path controlling bowel movements and urination
- side effects of analgesic as opioids or others

If there is no results from Miralax, I recommend a soap water enema at an ER even if there is no pain as impacted stools can lead to intestine obstruction and other sequences unwanted way.

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

Take care

Regards,
Dr Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
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What Causes Constipation After Spinal Epidural Procedure?

Hello, * There can be various reasons for constipation after epidural procedure as - immobility - low fluid intake - the procedure-related effect over parasympathetic path controlling bowel movements and urination - side effects of analgesic as opioids or others If there is no results from Miralax, I recommend a soap water enema at an ER even if there is no pain as impacted stools can lead to intestine obstruction and other sequences unwanted way. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon