Persistent Urge to Defecate After Hemorrhoid Surgery: What to Know

Persistent urge to defecate after hemorrhoid surgery?

Hello Dr.
Ke,
I underwent surgery for anal fissures and hemorrhoids on February 1st of this year.
Initially, my bowel movements were normal, and I had stopped taking stool softeners.
However, since early March, I have been experiencing a persistent feeling of urgency to have a bowel movement throughout the day.
After I do have a bowel movement, I often feel as though I haven't completely emptied my bowels, and I sometimes feel like stool is stuck in my rectum.
My abdomen also feels uncomfortable, and occasionally I hear gurgling sounds, but I often find it difficult to pass more stool even when I feel the urge.
I had a colonoscopy a year and a half ago, which was normal.
Do you think I need to undergo another examination? What could be causing this persistent sensation of urgency?
Additionally, it has been seven weeks since my surgery, and during my follow-up appointment, the doctor mentioned that the wound is healing well.
However, I still occasionally feel discomfort.
I experience some pain when sitting, walking, or straining slightly while urinating, and I also feel a sharp pain when passing formed stool.
Is it normal to still have these symptoms so long after the surgery?
Furthermore, I still feel a strong urgency when I need to have a bowel movement and find it hard to hold it in.
Is this normal? I feel like my recovery is progressing much slower than I expected, which is causing me some worry and discouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to respond, Dr.
Ke.
I appreciate your help!

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/20

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

At the age of 36, it may not be necessary to undergo colonoscopy so frequently.
The persistent urge to defecate could also be due to irritation from surgical scars.
If the wound has healed, topical ointments or suppositories can be used to alleviate discomfort.
Additionally, taking warm sitz baths may be beneficial.
If symptoms do not improve over time, it is advisable to consult the surgeon for further evaluation, as a small number of patients may experience infections or the development of fistulas post-surgery, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.

Reply Date: 2021/03/20

More Info

After undergoing hemorrhoid surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience a persistent urge to defecate, as well as sensations of incomplete evacuation. These symptoms can be distressing and may lead to concerns about recovery and overall gastrointestinal health.
Firstly, the sensation of needing to defecate frequently, even after having a bowel movement, can be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the surgical site is still healing, and any irritation or inflammation in the anal region can lead to heightened sensitivity. This can create a feeling of urgency or the sensation that there is still stool present, even when the bowel has been emptied. Additionally, changes in bowel habits post-surgery, such as alterations in stool consistency or frequency, can contribute to these sensations.
Another consideration is the potential for functional issues related to the pelvic floor or anal sphincter muscles. After surgery, these muscles may take time to regain their normal function, leading to feelings of urgency or discomfort during bowel movements. If you have previously undergone a colonoscopy and received normal results, it is less likely that there is a significant underlying pathology, but it is still important to monitor your symptoms.

Regarding your discomfort during bowel movements, it is not unusual to experience some pain or discomfort following surgery, especially if the surgical site is still healing. The presence of sharp pain during the passage of formed stools can indicate that the anal canal is still sensitive or that there may be some residual inflammation or scarring. It is essential to communicate these symptoms to your healthcare provider, as they may recommend specific treatments or interventions to alleviate your discomfort.

In terms of your recovery timeline, it is important to remember that healing after surgery can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual pain tolerance, and overall health can influence recovery speed. If you feel that your recovery is slower than expected, it is advisable to discuss your concerns with your surgeon or healthcare provider. They may suggest additional evaluations or treatments, such as pelvic floor therapy, dietary modifications, or medications to help manage your symptoms.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to undergo further evaluation, such as imaging studies or a repeat colonoscopy, to rule out any complications or underlying issues. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the appropriate next steps based on your specific situation.

In summary, while it is common to experience persistent urges to defecate and discomfort after hemorrhoid surgery, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your symptoms, provide reassurance, and recommend appropriate management strategies to facilitate your recovery. Remember that healing takes time, and it is essential to be patient with yourself during this process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Bowel Issues: Frequent Urges and Discomfort Explained

Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with grade IV hemorrhoids and underwent surgery on August 9 (surgical excision for internal and external hemorrhoids with prolapse). Currently, I have the following issues: (1) I experience frequent urges to defecate (every 2-5 minutes) but cannot pa...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
After hemorrhoidectomy, pain should decrease after one week, and normal bowel movements should resume within two weeks. Your situation is somewhat unusual, so it is advisable to consult the surgeon to understand the reasons. If you are experiencing excessive bowel movements, you ...

Post-Hemorrhoid Surgery: Persistent Urge to Defecate Explained

Hello, I have grade 4 hemorrhoids and underwent a circular surgery on September 18th. It has been over a month now; the wound around the anal area has healed, but I have been using anti-inflammatory suppositories. If I skip a day without using them, I feel the urge to have a bowe...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Although the wound from hemorrhoid circular excision surgery heals, the scar tissue that forms after healing, along with the presence of sutures, may lead to a foreign body sensation in the short term. This is expected to improve over time. However, if the condition persists with...

Frequent Bowel Urgency After Hemorrhoid Surgery: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: My mother, who is 71 years old, underwent surgery for hemorrhoids and has since experienced an increase in bowel movements. Every time she urinates, she also feels the urge to defecate. During her follow-up visit, the doctor adjusted her medication, but two days lat...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
After elderly patients undergo hemorrhoid surgery, they may sometimes experience difficulties with bowel movements. This is often related to whether they had pre-existing bowel issues prior to the surgery. If they had difficulty with bowel movements before the procedure, this con...

Post-Surgery Urgency: Managing Discomfort After Hemorrhoid Surgery

About six hours post-surgery, I had my first bowel movement, which involved slight bleeding, and the stool was loose. After about five minutes, I experienced the urge to defecate again, which persisted for over four hours. I received a muscle relaxant, but the urge remained stron...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
It is normal to experience discomfort after surgery. If you are currently hospitalized, please communicate your symptoms to the healthcare staff in the hospital and have the surgeon or on-call physician address your concerns, rather than seeking advice from unfamiliar doctors onl...