complications of colon surgery

[card1]

My cousin's husband had a small tumor removed in colon that was cancer. This was about a week ago.  It was stage one.  Now he has complications, he keeps vomiting and can't keep anything down. What could be the cause?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

This question has been answered in the comments below and I agree with everything that was said.  I'll reprint it here as comments are not saved in the archives.  I agree that getting in touch with the surgeon is of utmost importance:

"There are several possible causes, from minor to serious. It may be "ileus" which is the condition where the bowel muscles are flabby for a few days after surgery and let things back up. That goes away with time, but might require being in the hospital on IVs while waiting. It could be a blockage from adhesions; this early, it's also likely to clear up on its own, but requires waiting in the hospital on IVs also. Or it could be more serious, such as a leak or infection where the colon was sewn together. It also could just be from medications, if he's still taking pain pills. In any case, you MUST be in touch with his surgeon right away. That's the only way to get it figured out and treated before things get worse."

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[surgeon]

There are several possible causes, from minor to serious. It may be "ileus" which is the condition where the bowel muscles are flabby for a few days after surgery and let things back up. That goes away with time, but might require being in the hospital on IVs while waiting. It could be a blockage from adhesions; this early, it's also likely to clear up on its own, but requires waiting in the hospital on IVs also. Or it could be more serious, such as a leak or infection where the colon was sewn together. It also could just be from medications, if he's still taking pain pills. In any case, you MUST be in touch with his surgeon right away. That's the only way to get it figured out and treated before things get worse.

[ozark]

he could have a post op ileus.....which causes the intestines to be sluggish usually from anesthesia as well as swelling.......he should let his surgeon know and be examined    good luck