Bowel Resect post op

I am a 41 yr old male that had bowel resection surgery in May.  About 10-12" of my colon was removed laproscopically.  After surgery I had trouble urinating and had the catheter reinserted.  Left hospital with cath in.  Total of 5 days.  About a month back I started noticing that when I passed gas it smelled horrible and no matter what I ate it smelled the same.  Secondly, I am finding that after I have a bm and clean myself (to the point of no visible fecal matter on the tp) within 1/2 hour I feel uncomfortable as if I hadn't cleaned myself enough.  When I go back to the bathroom and wipe I find that more fecal matter.  I don't understand why this is happening.  I had been taking the metamucil pills and stopped.  Maybe I should begin using them again.

One other problem, and I know this may qualify for a different forum, but ever since my surgery I have had trouble getting/maintaining an erection.  I have seen a urologist after my psa went to 4.3.  After some medication and time it has since come down to 1.3.  He felt the catheter may have enlarged my prostate.  Of course I am happy that the psa is more normal, but I am concerned about the apparent ED I am experiencing right now.  My primary doc feels that things will get back to normal eventually.  Has anyone had the same reaction after a resection?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not aware of ED being a side effect after bowel resection.  There is a possibility that nerve damage from the procedure may affect the erection.  Discussing this possibility with a urologist can be considered.

Regarding the bowel issues - taking a look at the anal sphincter can be done (i.e. with a manometry).  Problems here can result in fecal incontinence and some of the symptoms you describe.

An examination by a gastroenterologist is recommended.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[buckwheat63]

A related discussion, post op bowel resectionside effects was started.

[gustoguy]

A related discussion, posr op pain was started.