Post surgery no bowel movements

Dear Ask The Doctor: My mother had surgery on May 3 to remove endometriosis from her her colon which she had gotten from her uterus. She had a open operation incision from her belly button to her pelvic area. She was realeased from the hospital and once home she got an infection on the icision area the surgeon left her with an open wound and she is schd to have it closed on may 26th. The problem she is having now is she is really constipated. She is on a low residue diet due to Dr's order but she is really constipated. The first week she was home she had bowel movements, now the bm compeltely stopped???? She has used enemas but they stopped working what can she do??? She is starting to feel nauseated and has alot of urge to use the restroom but when she goes there is no bowel movement.... Should she try miralax?? or any other laxative?

Dear Carolina: It seems your mother may be developing some bowel obstruction which is possible complication of the type of surgery she had. She should see her surgeon as soon as possible and explain the symptoms to him/her. SHe should not take any over the counter laxatives as this could only make the problem worse