Is It Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery Due to the Increase of Iron?

Question

I'm scheduled for surgery in 10 days and I have increased iron in prep for surgery. In the meantime the iron is causing a bit of consitpation. Is it ok to take stool softners to help. I plan to do a liquid diet 2 days before surgery just because I have never been regular in my life.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes, OK to take stool softeners day prior to and after surgery. I also recommend avoiding narcotics which are all very constipating.All narcotics like Percocet, Vicondin, Noco, Codeine have significant side effects of nause, vomiting and constipation. I recommend the use of Celebrex and Acetominophen (does not make you drowsy and less chance of nausea) plus intraoperative use of Exparel. Exparel is a very long-acting local anesthetic that lasts approximately 3 or more days following injection and great for Tummy Tucks and other surgeries. Not only does it prevent pain but also most muscle spasms. It lasts the same length of time that a pain pump lasts and will therefore take the place of a pain pump. This means patients can enjoy the same effect of a pain pump, but without any catheters and no pain pump to carry around.Exparel will be available for those concerned about minimizing discomfort after surgeries such as tummy tuck and breast augmentation.Exparel costs the same as a pain pump and produces the same result but with less hassle and works great.Narcotics are used only as needed (as cause nausea, vomiting and constipation as frequent sided effects).

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Iron can cause constipation, and a stool softener should be reasonable prior to a tummy tuck.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

A stool softener will be fine. It should cause no concern for you or your surgeon. If you are concerned, call your surgeon's office and ask them.

	good luck.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Taking a stool softener prior to your surgery is fine. It will be helpful to your surgeon and yourself. This is better than doing things that could dehydrate you- like "cleanse" diets.  Best of Luck!

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I think it would be to your advantage (and to your surgeon's) but it will be best to run this question by your own surgeon. If s/he has a quirk about stool softeners, all the online advice will not likely change an opinion. You might want to discuss a long acting local anesthetic (pain pump or Exparel injections) to decrease your pain med needs after surgery, as the narcotics are the major contributor to post op constipation.

	Best wishes.

Is It Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery Due to the Increase of Iron?

Answers (5)

Answer: Iron is helpful

Answer: Iron is helpful

Answer: Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery?

Answer: Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is It Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery Due to the Increase of Iron?

Answers (5)

Answer: Iron is helpful

Answer: Iron is helpful

Answer: Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery?

Answer: Ok to a Stooler Softener Before Surgery?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.