Q It's been a few days since surgery, but I'm barely passing gas and bowel movements feel incomplete. Why isn't my bowel moving?
A Surgery, anesthesia, and painkillers temporarily slow bowel movement. This can delay gas and bowel movements and cause bloating, but recovery usually happens within a few days. Light walking and adequate fluids/fiber help stimulate bowel movement.
Detailed Answer
Reduced bowel movement after surgery is a common temporary phenomenon caused by anesthetics, painkillers, and abdominal surgery. Passing gas is an important sign that the intestines are moving again, so light indoor walking and sufficient fluid intake can help stimulate bowel activity. Gradually increase soft, easily digestible foods, but if severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating persists, or if there is no bowel movement or gas at all, you should inform the hospital where you had surgery.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
In Korean medicine, the digestive organs (spleen and stomach) are the core organs that extract energy from food and move it downward. When this flow is suppressed by surgery, bloating and delayed bowel movements occur, so at Dongjedang we work to restore the disrupted digestive rhythm and downward flow so the intestines can regain their proper movement.
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