Tag: Anesthesia effects

Up to 60% of patients experience constipation after surgery due to anesthesia and narcotic pain medication, making bowel relief a common concern. While magnesium citrate is a potent saline laxative that works quickly, its use in the delicate post-operative period requires careful medical supervision.

Postoperative constipation is an incredibly common side effect, affecting as many as 30% of women who undergo surgery. For those dealing with this discomfort, the question, 'will coffee help you poop after surgery?' often comes up, and research indicates it might be a beneficial, low-cost solution for many patients, depending on the type of surgery.

According to the National Institutes of Health, prolonged postoperative ileus—a temporary paralysis of the bowel—is a common and expected consequence of major abdominal surgery. This is one of the primary reasons why you can't eat after abdominal surgery; the digestive system must be given time to 'wake up' safely.

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for hospital readmission following a surgical procedure. To help patients safely rehydrate and prepare their bodies for recovery, hospitals often introduce a clear liquid diet that includes gentle options like apple juice.