“Can anesthesia for colon surgery cause constipation?”
I had colon surgery under general anesthesia. Can anesthesia for colon surgery cause constipation?
4 Answers
I am not aware of a link between anesthesia and constipation. But any colonic surgery will result in loss of colon activity immediately post-op. It often takes a few days for the colon to regain its usual function.
Yes, it could, from the pain medication you receive.
Anesthesia does not cause constipation. But surgery on the colon (or on the small intestine) will definitely change how things work and often causes constipation.
Anesthesia in general can cause slowing of the gut especially if the anesthesiologist uses an iv opioid as part of the regimen, thus constipation may occur postoperatively.
