Severe bloating after surgery

My husband justhad open heart surgery 13 days ago and since then, his stomach has been severely distended.  They have put tubes down his throat to his stomach, down his nose and up his rectum with no relief. He has had an MRI and a scope of his intestines and they can not find anything.  Please help even if it is to give me the correct questions to ask the doctor.  He is still in ICU due to this and his lungs are being squeezed by his stomach.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

After surgery, there is always a risk for ileus and subsequent stomach distension.  Typical therapy would include inserting a nasogastric tube with suction.  In many cases, the distension will resolve with time.

If there continues to be questions about motility, a medication review can be considered to ensure this isn't a side effect.  Pro-motility agents like Reglan can be helpful.  An upper endoscopy can be considered to evaluate for any anatomic abnormality.

I would consider a GI evaluation to more completely evaluate this symptom.

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_b

[1rashid]

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