Post Op Recovery

Post Op Recovery

Q:

Age: 39 Sex: F

My husband had anterior/posterior surgery for L4/5 S1 on October 24, 2006. Since being home he seems to being having alot of discomfort, distention in his stomach and his groin. We were told that after the surgery he would be feeling better in a couple of days. It is now 3 weeks and he doesn't seem to be much better. We were told prior to surgery that he had a belly button hernia. Could this being causing hte problems. Is what he is feeling just part of recovery..PLEASE RESPOND

-- Michele

A:

I would see your doctor for a checkup. Though not common, he may have some ileus (slow bowel motility) that can cause abdominal distention. If he has fever, I would also worry about post-op infection. The best thing to do is to see your surgeon to make sure that things are progressing well.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.