Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Could Cause Lack Of Urge To Defecate After Having A Surgery?

Hi - I had surgery on Thursday (4 days ago), and have not had a bowel movement since then. I am usually very regular (2 times a day). I am taking Percoset for pain. I was on stool softeners to help, but ran out last night. I have not been eating as much as I normally do - most days only one meal (as opposed to three). I have tried a saline enema (twice) with no results - very, very little stool was present. I have not had the urge to defecate. I pass gas regularly. If I push as though I am trying to defecate, I usually either get the urge to urinate, or produce gas. How concerned should I be, and what additional steps can I take?
posted on Thu, 24 Apr 2014
Twitter Wed, 5 Oct 2016 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 6 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,
1) Do not push too hard in try of defecation after abdominal surgery, this should not be done and that is why stool softener is prescribed after abdominal surgery to lessen effort of defecation
2) If you underwent surgery on intestine then your intestine must be emptied thoroughly with help of some liquid medications and due to this it is common not to have urging still 5 day after surgery
3) Bed ridden condition, slow intestinal movements after surgery are other factors to contribute in this
4) In such cases, stimulant suppositories are effective than saline enema
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Rectum


Loading Online Doctors....
What Could Cause Lack Of Urge To Defecate After Having A Surgery?

Hello, 1) Do not push too hard in try of defecation after abdominal surgery, this should not be done and that is why stool softener is prescribed after abdominal surgery to lessen effort of defecation 2) If you underwent surgery on intestine then your intestine must be emptied thoroughly with help of some liquid medications and due to this it is common not to have urging still 5 day after surgery 3) Bed ridden condition, slow intestinal movements after surgery are other factors to contribute in this 4) In such cases, stimulant suppositories are effective than saline enema