What Causes Diarrhea After Bowel Surgery?
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Infections
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Following bowel surgery, patients are more susceptible to infections. Clostridium difficile is a common problem during hospital stays, particularly for patients who have bowel surgeries. It is extremely contagious and can spread very rapidly. Clostridium difficile is difficult to treat and can be exhibited by severe diarrhea with watery bowel movements three or more times each day and abdominal cramps. It can become life threatening if it affects your colon. Symptoms at that point involve 10 to 15 watery bowel movements each day along with fever, nausea, blood in the stool, dehydration and more painful cramping. Once infected with "C.Diff," you can be reinfected more easily.
Drugs
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Certain drugs administered after surgery may cause diarrhea by causing an imbalance of bacteria in your small and large intestines. Many antibiotics, in particular, can bring about severe cases of diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin a few days after you start taking the medication and can include watery bowel movements, fever, abdominal cramping and dehydration. Eating a bland diet and drinking only clear liquids may help. If your symptoms become severe or you see blood in your stool, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
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Short Bowel Syndrome
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Removal of large sections of your small bowel, in one or multiple surgeries, can lead to short bowel syndrome. Losing more than 100 cm of small bowel can limit the area for liquids to be absorbed by the bowels. As a result, bile salts that stimulate fat and water secretions are introduced to the colon rather than being processed in the small bowel. Short Bowel Syndrome can also result in poor absorption of nutrients because your intestines do not have time to digest them properly. You may need vitamins and minerals to replace deficiencies in your body. It is also important to be well hydrated to make up for the loss of fluids. Intravenous fluids may be necessary.
Warning
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If you have severe diarrhea symptoms that last more than three days or if you see blood in your stool, you should contact your doctor immediately for treatment. Severe abdominal pain can also be a sign of a serious illness or complication from your surgery. Do not delay in seeking medical care.
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