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What Causes Constipation And Rectal Fissure Post Bladder Cancer Surgery?
I had bladder cancer and they did surgery to remove cancer. I am now at 4 months post surgery. I went to the urologist today for my 3 month check up (cisto). There is either a hole or a pocket as the Dr. said at the surgery site. She would not give me any more info than that she wants me to have an xray with a balloon catheder. Should would not speculate or even answer any of our questions like where is the urine going if it is a hole, or what would the procedure be if it is a hole. I m not feeling to confident with this Dr. that did the original surgery. I am worried. I have returned to work 2 weeks ago. I get tired and have some pain but I manage. After my surgery I was constipated and developed a fissure in my rectum and my sciatic nerve flared up to the point I couldn t walk. I am still taking stuff ( mag citrate) to keep my bowels loose and a probiotic.
posted on
Sun, 19 Oct 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 11 Apr 2015
Answered on
Mon, 13 Apr 2015
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Cancer is a challenging condition and requires long time treatment and support. Since you are post bladder surgery, there is a chance that scar tissue is present after surgery and this is causing the discomfort in passing normal bowel movements. The fissure might have formed due to complex nature of cancer areas involving the space around the rectum. Please discuss the surgery details with your operating surgeon to know why it might have occurred.
It is suggested that you take foods rich in dietary fibers and this will cause better stool formation and reduce chances of constipation. Early in the morning you can have a glass of warm water as you wake up and this can stimulate early morning bowel movements once you stop taking mag citrate.
The X ray with balloon catheter might be to assess any leakage and communication between the bladder and rectum as a consequence of surgery. Without proper investigation, it is difficult to make a comment and I guess that is the reason your doctor chose to talk at a later date.
You can eat small meals at shorter intervals in place of less frequent large meals. Reduce the amount of oils in your food. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
Cancer is a challenging condition and requires long time treatment and support. Since you are post bladder surgery, there is a chance that scar tissue is present after surgery and this is causing the discomfort in passing normal bowel movements. The fissure might have formed due to complex nature of cancer areas involving the space around the rectum. Please discuss the surgery details with your operating surgeon to know why it might have occurred.
It is suggested that you take foods rich in dietary fibers and this will cause better stool formation and reduce chances of constipation. Early in the morning you can have a glass of warm water as you wake up and this can stimulate early morning bowel movements once you stop taking mag citrate.
The X ray with balloon catheter might be to assess any leakage and communication between the bladder and rectum as a consequence of surgery. Without proper investigation, it is difficult to make a comment and I guess that is the reason your doctor chose to talk at a later date.
You can eat small meals at shorter intervals in place of less frequent large meals. Reduce the amount of oils in your food. Please do not worry.
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