My father who is 69 years old has undergone 6 kemos for CA Stomach, he has not passed motion for the last 4 days, please advice, he shows signs of slight pain at times. He is diabetic and BP patient too...... please suggest what to do if he has to pass stools. He has food only in liquid forms now like oats, steamed rice powdered forms, resource diabetic, etc......
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your fathers situation and problem. Constipation in CA stomach patient needs investigations to rule out internal abdominal causes. Common causes are obstruction, paralytic ilium, loaded fecal matter etc. Intestinal obstruction is common in CA stomach patient due to enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Hypokalemia (low potassium)is also common due to decreased oral intake and poor absorption. And this can cause paralytic ilium. So better to first get done ultrasound examination of abdomen, serum potassium level and if needed CT abdomen to search for the cause of constipation. If hypokalemia is the cause than potassium supplements should be given. But if obstruction is there than he needs surgery. High fiber diet, plenty of fluids can also helpful in constipation. So first rule out above-mentioned causes for constipation and start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.