Q My bowel habits have completely changed since surgery. Sometimes I go many times a day, and other times nothing comes out. Why is this happening?
A When part of the colon is removed, its ability to absorb water and store stool decreases, causing more frequent, looser, or irregular bowel movements for a while. The remaining intestine usually adapts and stabilizes over several months.
Detailed Answer
The colon absorbs water and stores stool. After resection, the remaining intestine takes over these roles, which can cause more frequent or looser stools and urgent bowel movements, disrupting the normal rhythm. This is a common course after surgery, and gradually reintroducing food and allowing time usually leads to stabilization. However, if the changes are severe or persist for a long time, it's best to have this checked.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
In Korean medicine, bowel rhythm is viewed in terms of whether the digestive system's (spleen-stomach and large intestine) qi is flowing smoothly. At Dongjedang, we replenish depleted energy while supporting intestinal motility and fluid metabolism, helping the remaining intestine settle into its new rhythm and making bowel movements more comfortable.
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