23/06/2026
GAS PAIN after surgery.
I thought that sharing agan might be useful!
Ouch! This part of recovery can literally be the most painful.
Gas pain after hysterectomy is one of the most common and unexpected side effects that you are likely to suffer, regardless of how your surgery is performed. It is normal for your surgeon to use CO2 gas during your surgery to inflate you, enabling him/her to be able to see organs more clearly. This gas can often become trapped causing pain, particularly in the abdomen, diaphragm and shoulders as it moves around.
Gas can also cause back pain. Pre-op fasting, decreased walking and movement, inflammation, swelling, and hormonal changes can all contribute. Open surgery and Laparoscopic can leave the bowels stunned and sluggish. Anaesthesia can slow down the bowels, preventing the passage of stools and gas. Pain medications, particularly narcotics, add and contribute to the issue. Overall, gas can be incredibly painful post-surgery. It is certainly one of our top topics in the group!!
There are two common types of gas pain:
Intestinal gas pains caused by build-up of gas inside the intestines.
Intraperitoneal gas pains caused by gas trapped outside of the intestines, but inside the abdominal cavity.
Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help:
Medications such as Gas x, Wind-eze and buscopan can help. Anything with Simethicone in it can help disperse gas, so stock up before you have your operation! Just remember that not all of this gas is in your intestinal system 👍.
Not Getting Constipated. The first few bowel movements can be painful, but being constipated can increase gas. Start on stool softeners after surgery (some women advised to start a few days before surgery). Eat light, easy to digest foods, and drink lots of water. If you find yourself struggling to open your bowels, take a light laxative. Some laxatives can be harsh on a system. which is already sore and bruised. If you become very constipated, please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist, and they can assist you in finding the best suited laxative.
Walk! The most important thing that you can do post-surgery, to prevent and relieve gas pain, is walk! Walk early and walk often, even when it is not easy. Walking encourages the peristaltic movement of the bowels, relieving gas and constipation.
Heating Pads / Hot Water Bottles. Heat can also provide relief when applied to the abdomen or lower back. Please remember that if you have had abdominal surgery you may have some numbness. Do not apply heat to areas that are numb as it may cause burns.
Check Your Positioning. Lying flat is not a good position for passing gas as it does not promote gut mobility. Positioning your body to rest briefly on your hands and knees is a great way to help relieve gas and discomfort. If you are in the early stage of recovery, or cannot easily get into that position, try leaning forwards as an alternative position. Support your upper body by leaning on a chair, resting on your elbows. Laying on your side with a pillow between your knees, and supporting the abdomen, can also help relieve gas. You may also want to try sitting with your legs outstretched, using a pillow under the knees which will slightly raise your legs.
Avoid Eating Gas Producing Foods. Some foods increase gas production when in the bowel. These can include: Legumes, lentils, chickpeas, baked beans, cabbage, brussels sprouts, corn, potato, onions and dried fruit.
Avoid carbonated, fizzy drinks as well, as they contain gas bubbles which are swallowed along with drinking.
Drink Warm Drinks. Warm drinks can help to stimulate the gut, which can help shift gas pain. A cup of warm water combined with a short walk can promote the movement of gas. Peppermint tea is frequently recommended as an excellent relief from wind and gas pain.
Usually gas pain passes by the end of the second week as your system starts to recover. Passing gas is a good sign that your bowels are working, even when constipated.
As a word of caution, if you find yourself very constipated and cannot get relief with laxatives, feel nauseous when eating and drinking and are unable to pass any gas, you need to contact your doctor. These symptoms combined can signal a bowel obstruction which requires immediate medical assistance.
