Colorectal Surgery - Duke University Medical Center
Colorectal Surgery - Duke University Medical Center
Colorectal Surgery - Duke University Medical Center
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Changes in Bowel Function after <strong>Colorectal</strong> <strong>Surgery</strong><br />
How will my bowel function change after surgery<br />
You may have:<br />
• Loose stools, leakage of stool<br />
• More frequent urges to have a bowel movement (BM)<br />
• Trouble completely emptying your rectum<br />
• A strong desire to have a BM while eating<br />
These symptoms can be worse if you have had bowel radiation treatments.<br />
Why is this happening<br />
• Reduced length or absence of colon after surgery causes faster transit time<br />
• Decreased intestinal surface for absorbing fluids<br />
• Decreased capacity of rectum or surgically created pouch<br />
• Eating and drinking stimulate the gastrocolic reflex<br />
How long does it take for bowel function improves<br />
You may see improvement in the first few months after surgery. For others it may take up to a<br />
year.<br />
What can I do to help<br />
Do not avoid eating or drinking in hopes of preventing problems. This will only complicate<br />
your recovery.<br />
1. Firm up your stool. These foods help make the stool firmer and less frequent.<br />
• bananas, applesauce<br />
• cheese<br />
• boiled white rice<br />
• tapioca pudding<br />
• creamy peanut butter<br />
• white potatoes<br />
• white pasta<br />
• pretzels<br />
• marshmallows<br />
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