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Should you go to the bathroom before surgery?

Going to the bathroom before surgery is an important part of preparing for your procedure. Urinating and having a bowel movement can help make you more comfortable both before and after the surgery. Here’s what you need to know about using the bathroom before your operation.

Why it’s important to urinate before surgery

Urinating right before surgery empties your bladder and reduces the chances that it will be accidentally injured during the procedure. A full bladder gets in the way during surgery and makes the area harder for your surgeon to navigate. An accidental puncture or cut to the bladder – while rare – can be dangerous and lead to additional complications.

You will also likely have a urinary catheter placed at some point during or after surgery to drain urine from your bladder. Starting with an empty bladder allows for proper placement and positioning of the catheter. It also reduces the risk of overfilling and bladder spasms when the catheter is inserted.

Finally, some anesthetic medicines can relax the muscles that control urination and make it harder for you to pee right after surgery. That’s why you want to make sure to empty your bladder beforehand.

Tips for urinating before surgery

  • Let nurses and doctors know if you are having trouble urinating before the procedure.
  • Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks in the hours leading up to your surgery time, as these can irritate the bladder.
  • Drink clear fluids like water up until your specified cutoff time to stay hydrated.
  • Let your care team know if you have problems with incontinence or difficulty fully emptying your bladder.

Why a bowel movement is recommended

Having a bowel movement before surgery is also advised. Moving your bowels helps empty your colon and rectum to make the surgical area easier to access. It also reduces the risk of a bowel injury during the procedure.

Anesthesia and pain medications you receive around the time of your surgery can slow down your gastrointestinal tract. This makes it harder to have a bowel movement for a day or two after the operation. Starting out with an empty colon and rectum minimizes discomfort and the risk of constipation.

Passing stool before surgery may also allow you to avoid using an enema or laxative preparation in advance. However, your surgeon may still recommend a mechanical bowel prep to fully cleanse the colon regardless.

Tips for having a bowel movement beforehand

  • Follow instructions from your care team on dietary restrictions to allow for clearing of stool.
  • Increase your fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in the days before.
  • Drink fluids like water, juice, tea, and coffee up until your cut-off time.
  • If you continue to feel constipated, ask your care provider about using a mild laxative or enema.

When to stop eating and drinking

To allow for complete emptying and avoid complications, you will be asked to stop eating and drinking a set period of time prior to your surgery. This is often referred to as “NPO guidelines” (nothing by mouth).

The typical recommended NPO time periods are:

  • No solid foods for 6-8 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
  • No liquids for 2 hours prior (including water).

However, these time frames can vary based on your doctor’s preferences, the type of surgery being done, and other factors like any underlying health conditions you may have. Be sure to follow your specific pre-surgical instructions.

Why NPO guidelines are important

These NPO recommendations before surgery help to:

  • Reduce the volume of stomach contents that could be aspirated or regurgitated when under anesthesia.
  • Prevent food or fluids from interfering with the surgical procedure if the intestines are involved.
  • Allow for optimal effects from anesthetic medicines.
  • Minimize feelings of nausea that can occur right after surgery.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have with meeting the required NPO timeframe before your procedure.

Day before surgery checklist

Having a plan for the day leading up to your surgery helps ensure you follow all necessary preparation steps. Here is a checklist with bathroom-related tasks to complete:

Task Notes
Review bowel prep instructions This may include diet changes and taking laxatives the night before
Increase water intake Unless you are told otherwise by your doctor – aim for 8 glasses
Eat light, easily digestible foods Such as soup, eggs, plain pasta, crackers
Stop eating solid foods at midnight Or 8 hours prior per your instructions
Have a light snack before midnight Such as gelatin, pulp-free juice, popsicle
Stop drinking clear liquids 2 hours before surgery time This includes water, black coffee, and apple juice
Use the bathroom upon waking up And again right before leaving for your procedure

What to do if constipated before surgery

If you feel constipated and unable to have a bowel movement the day before your procedure, call your surgeon’s office. Do not take any medication, laxative, or enema unless they instruct you to. They will provide specific guidance tailored to your individual health status.

Morning of surgery

The morning of your surgery, using the bathroom one final time can help ease worries. Here are tips for that last bathroom trip before your procedure:

  • Wake up early enough to not feel rushed with getting ready and traveling to your surgery location.
  • Take your time moving your bowels – do not strain or push.
  • Avoid laxatives or enemas unless directly instructed by your medical team.
  • Let your nurse know if you were unable to urinate or defecate.
  • Go to the bathroom again after you change into your hospital gown – even if you do not feel the urge.

Emptying your bladder and bowels shortly before entering the operating room can really optimize your comfort level. But be sure to stop drinking fluids at least 2 hours beforehand.

After surgery

Using the bathroom after surgery may be more challenging at first. Here is what to expect as your bowel and bladder function returns:

  • You may not be able to urinate on your own at first.
  • A urinary catheter is typically inserted to drain urine until you can go on your own.
  • Bowel movements may not happen for 2-3 days after surgery due to slowed motility.
  • Pain medicines can contribute to constipation – so stay hydrated and get moving as soon as you can.
  • Your medical team will monitor your bathroom habits and assist as needed.

Make sure to communicate with your care providers if you have any difficulty or discomfort urinating or having a bowel movement after your operation. Some tips to help get your bathroom routine back on track:

  • Walk and move around as soon as possible – this stimulates the bowels.
  • Drink lots of fluids when you are allowed to prevent dehydration.
  • Eat high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains as tolerated.
  • Ask your doctor about using a stool softener or laxative if needed.

Special considerations

Certain medical conditions may require extra preparations when it comes to using the bathroom before surgery:

Urinary incontinence or retention

Let your surgical team know if you have issues with urinary leakage, urgency or difficulty fully emptying your bladder. You may need to have a bladder scan to check for residual urine, or need medications to help address incontinence before your procedure.

Chronic constipation

People prone to constipation may need to take a prescribed bowel prep to cleanse the colon prior to surgery. Be sure to discuss any constipation concerns early on with your doctor.

Previous bladder or prostate surgery

If you’ve had prior surgery on your urinary system, additional precautions may be taken for your safety. Your anatomy can be checked ahead of time with medical imaging as needed.

Bowel obstruction or disease

Intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease or adhesions from past surgeries may require adjustments to your preparation. Work closely with your care team.

Conclusion

Going to the bathroom before an operation is extremely important in minimizing risks and ensuring your comfort. Emptying the bladder and bowel makes the surgical area more accessible and reduces chances of accidental injuries.

Prepare by following your doctor’s recommended NPO guidelines for eating and drinking. Use the day before surgery to empty the bowels and establish good bathroom habits. Let your care team know of any difficulties urinating or moving your bowels before or after the procedure.

Taking the right bathroom-related steps before your surgery facilitates faster recovery and gets you back to your regular routine as quickly as possible. If you have any other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.