After surgery on the stomach area, generally the performance of the digestive system will slow down. If this situation makes it difficult for you to pass gas, generally you will experience various negative side effects such as pain and bloating, and swelling in the abdominal area. If it lasts too long, it is feared that you will experience an obstruction or blockage in the intestine. That's why gassing after surgery is such an important step! Read this article for complete information.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Stimulating Bowel Function
Step 1. Walk as soon as possible postoperatively
Most likely, the surgeon will ask you to walk if the situation permits. If necessary, nurses or hospital staff will be referred to accompany you on a walk around the recovery room or down the hospital hallway.
- Generally, patients are recommended to walk as soon as the effects of the anesthetic wear off, approximately 2-4 hours postoperatively.
- Walking after surgery is very important, especially because it stimulates the intestines and prevents blockage of blood vessels.
Step 2. Rub the lower abdominal area
Doing so can relieve pain and stimulate your bowel function. Before doing so, make sure you ask your doctor for recommendations on areas to rub.
If the operation is performed in the lower abdominal area, skip this step
Step 3. Do some light stretching
Trouble walking? Most likely the doctor or nurse will ask you to straighten your legs and then bend them slowly in front of your chest. In addition, they will also ask you to turn your torso left and right alternately. In fact, light exercise or stretching is effective in normalizing the function of your digestive tract.
Ask your doctor or nurse for recommendations on how to do light exercise without injuring your surgical scars
Step 4. Chew sugar-free gum at least 3 times a day
Chewing gum is effective in sending signals and hormones through the nervous system to the intestines that can stimulate muscle movement in the digestive tract. In fact, there is very strong evidence that patients who chew gum postoperatively can pass gas more quickly than patients who do not chew gum.
- Although the reason is still not understood by scientists, chewing sugar-free gum is considered more effective than sugar-containing gum.
- Consult this method with your doctor before practicing it.
Step 5. Drink a cup of coffee every day
Clinical trials show that patients who drink a cup of coffee before surgery can pass gas 15 hours faster than patients who don't drink coffee. To ensure its safety, make sure you consult this method with your doctor.
Research shows that coffee has a higher effectiveness than tea for restoring bowel function
Step 6. Follow the doctor's advice to insert the catheter into the rectum
If you have trouble passing gas, your doctor will likely insert a catheter (a small, flexible tube) into your rectum to relieve pain and eliminate excess gas production in the stomach.
This procedure will only cause discomfort but is not painful
Step 7. Ask the doctor about the possibility of consuming something
Generally, doctors will ask their patients to fast until they are able to pass gas from their stomach. In other words, you shouldn't eat anything until you fart. But actually, consuming fluids or snacks within 24-48 hours after surgery can normalize your bowel function. If in that time you don't pass gas, try asking your doctor about the possibility of consuming something earlier.
In most cases, your doctor will ask you to continue fasting
Step 8. Do not strain while farting or defecating
In fact, it takes quite a long time to normalize your digestive system. Therefore, do not force yourself to fart or defecate after surgery! If the desire arises, just follow the flow naturally.
- Although very dependent on the location of the operated area, straining has the potential to hinder postoperative recovery or even worsen the condition.
- Chances are, your doctor will recommend a stool softener or mild laxative to help you pass stool. If so, take the drug and other drugs as recommended by the doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Taking Medication to Improve Bowel Function
Step 1. Discuss the use of NSAIDs with your doctor
Ask your doctor whether or not you need to take NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If necessary, also ask the recommended dose. NSAID class drugs are able to relieve swelling that has the potential to inhibit intestinal function. In addition, these drugs also encourage you to reduce the use of painkillers that have the potential to trigger constipation and make it more difficult for you to pass gas.
Because doctors also prescribe painkillers, make sure you consult the use of NSAIDs with your doctor to prevent negative side effects due to unwanted drug interactions
Step 2. Ask your doctor about the possibility of taking alvimopan
Alvimopan is a drug that can reduce abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting that may be caused by taking opioid analgesics to relieve postoperative pain. If you have difficulty passing gas, your doctor will likely prescribe 2 oral tablets to take daily for 7 days or until you are discharged from the hospital.
Before taking alvimopan, tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking and whether or not you have a history of kidney or heart disease in your family. Chances are, your doctor will adjust the dose of your medication and tell you the potential side effects that may occur if you're also taking calcium channel blockers, antibiotics or antifungal medications, or medications to normalize your heart rate
Step 3. Take laxatives or stool softeners if permitted by your doctor
Although it really depends on the type of surgery you have, your doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter medications that work to soften stools and facilitate bowel movements. Take these drugs and other drugs according to the doctor's advice.
Don't take laxatives without your doctor's approval
Method 3 of 3: Reduce Pain and Bloating
Step 1. Compress the stomach with a warm pad for 20 minutes
Do this process 3-4 times a day or whenever you feel bloated. To make sure it's not too hot, place the pad on the back of your hand first. Remember, make sure the warm pad is not in direct contact with the surgical stitches, which are still very sensitive and prone to burns.
- Warm pads are effective in relieving pain and normalizing your bowel movements.
- Go to the pharmacy and buy a warm pad that can be warmed in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the package although generally, the time it takes to warm up the pads in the microwave is 30 seconds. You can also use a clean cloth that is also warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 2. Increase consumption of soups, breads, biscuits, and other foods that are not too seasoned and easy to digest
At least, maintain this diet until the gas in your stomach is reduced. Although actually any protein can speed up the healing process, you should make sure you only eat low-fat protein such as poultry and white meat fish. In addition, always follow the instructions given by the doctor.
Step 3. Avoid foods and drinks that can increase gas production in the stomach
Some examples of foods that should be avoided are processed legumes (such as lentils and beans), broccoli, corn, and potatoes. In addition, carbonated drinks must also be avoided because they can make the stomach feel more bloated. If it turns out that there are other types of food that make your stomach feel uncomfortable (such as spicy foods or dairy products), stop consuming them too.
Step 4. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day
Make sure you consume 8-10 glasses of water, juice, or other non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages each day. Hydrating the body is effective at softening dirt and making it easier for you to pass gas after surgery. In addition, your surgical scars will recover faster because of it.
Step 5. Take over-the-counter medicines to remove gas from the stomach
In fact, drugs containing simethicone are effective in overcoming excess gas production in the stomach, especially in patients with hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) or cesarean section. Consult the use of any medication with your doctor and/or follow the instructions on the drug packaging.
