Bowel Movement After Colon Cancer Surgery

Dear Ask The Doctor: Is it unusual for a person to have trouble having a bowel movement after colon cancer surgery? Before my husband was released from the hospital, they wanted him to pass gas and have a bm. He did both. He has now been home for 4 days and have not had a bm at all. Should we be concerned?

Dear Rogena: There is cause for concern if the lack of bowel movement is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal distention, vomiting  and abdominal pain. If your husband still continues to pass 'gas' (flatus) then chances are, it is only a matter of time before he has another bowel movement. Should any of the other symptoms mentioned develop, you should take your husband to see his surgeon or the nearest ER as these are symptoms of a complication of surgery.