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Gas given during surgery?



Ladies,
I keep seeing references to some type of gas given during surgery that causes multiple problems (constipation, pains in shoulders, etc.) after the operation. At first I didn't pay much attention to that detail, but since I'm having surgery tomorrow morning, I'm now becoming concerned.

What is that gas? My surgeon didn't mention it to me, nor did the nurse who did my pre-ops last night. I still haven't seen the anesthesiologist (I think he comes in tomorrow morning after I've been admitted), so I feel a bit at sea.

Can anyone give me information on what this gas is, how it is administered, why it is administered, if everyone gets it, and what the consequences are?

Thanks so much,
Annette (LitDoc)
17 Responses
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167426 tn?1254086235
Put a pillow on the kitchen table  lay over it, hips to the edge and let your feet hang down,  relax and let the gas come out.  I learned this from an old Dutch nurse years ago after I had an exploratory lap, it worked great. doesn't matter if your arms are along your sides or above your head.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had a laparotomy yesterday. I have had 4 c-section and always been in the hospital with this awful gas pain. Now this being outpatient I am home and have this unbearable pain in my upper left shoulder and in my diaphragm area. I have taken Gas-x and started walking around but the pain is wow! I wanted to know if there are an ways to at least ease the pain. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated and will be used!!
Thanks,
Teshi
Helpful - 0
167426 tn?1254086235
You did not say what was removed during surgery,  was the bowel handled in any way?  Are you able to pass gas through the rectum, do you feel any rolling of gas in your belly, intestines?  any pain?  Bowel changes?  if any of these I think you should talk to your doctor about it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello! It's been 3 months now I had my LAPARATOMY (horizontal incision) but still I'm having this bloated stomach. I look like a pregnant woman. I'm worried. Any suggestions? Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
LitDoc's post was last April.....I assume she is not having surgery now like one suggested...This archived post was renewed by Mushrambotellini piggy backing on it and asking about the gas she has trapped. Just wanted to clarify that LitDoc did not have surgery today. :-)
(((Raynbow
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To anybody having the laprascopy: The nurses will bring you something with Simethicone in it to relieve gas in the body. Once your home, it's up to you to take GasX (or other simethicone product) regularly. Try not to move too much right after surgery, it will stir up the gas. I found it better to be slightly elevated in bed with my knees up.
TO Mushrambotellini: I think if you stand up straight as you can on your tip toes with arms stretched high above your head, breath deeply, bend over touch your toes...This would help stretch you out to give the gas room to break up. If that doesn't help, hold arms straight out to the sides and twist back and forth or maybe just roll on the floor! :-) I always find a good heating pad in the area helps me to relax it away.
  Best wishes to all of you, can't wait to see you on the recovery side!
(((Raynbow
Helpful - 0
16702 tn?1234090645
I can tell you what I did for my gas problem but LitDoc's gas is different.  I had same problem after surgery and found that an antacid type product helped me ...or soda water and I also gently would twist my body like I am hitting a golf ball off a tee and bending over, helped release my gas.
Helpful - 0
105530 tn?1279585282
Mid

Hey there LitDoc
                                Just wanted you to know that i will be thinking of you tomorrow.
I have missed not seeing you in BBBC site
take care Mid from OZ
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i just had a laparotomy  on tuesday.. it is now sunday.. and i have gas trapped right under my lung. it hurts sooo bad. The doc, took an Xray of it on wednesday just to make sure and he said it was just trapped air. IT hurts ALOT though, is there anything i can do to relieve the pain that is under my lung and rises up to my shoulder? He said it would go away in a few days. it is now 6 almost 7 days later and still there. Can anyone help?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had my surgery yesterday. I have bad gas pains too. Phazyme helps me a lot. You can get it over the counter. Good luck to you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi everyone. I am home recovering from my lap yesterday.  I have had a little gas pain when I get up to use the restroom.  I can almosst feel it ease right up under my right shoulder blade. When I get back in bed, it hurts until I lay down flat. After a few minutes the gas seems to subside.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

Excuse me -- I am having the LAPAROTOMY. The one where they cut you from pubis to belly button, with the option of going to the sternum if they need to.
Sorry for the confusion.
Annette
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dawn, just curious why your incision went above your navel? My surgery is Saturday and I was told it would be an up/ down incision, but I never thought about it going above.  Thanks, Shari
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If you are getting cut open you dont get gas for that. They only blow you up when you are having the lapro surgery.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

Thanks to all. Yes, I am having a laparoscopy, so I guess I'll be getting the gas. In spite of being scared sh**less, I still had to laugh at the mental image of myself blown up like a party balloon -- I assume they'll also paint my abdomen red with disinfectant? What a sight! Maybe I should wear a red nose.

Yep, scary. Can't wait for it to be over and to KNOW.
Annette
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The gas used is carbon di-oxide and it is necessary during a laparoscopy to give more room so the surgeon can see what he/she is doing. Just think of it a blowing up a balloon. There is then more room inside than out. Most of the gas is removed at the end of the surgery (again like a balloon when you let the air out) but small amounts do get trapped in your tissues. Not everyone will have problems and rest assured they do go away in a few days.
Michelle
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Annette, I am sorry I don't have info for you, just wanted to wish you the best of luck, and will include you in my prayers,  Shari
Helpful - 0
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