Incomplete Bowel Evacuation - Tenesmus

Tenesmus is the persistent sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, often with cramping or rectal discomfort. Causes include inflammatory bowel diseases, rectal conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, and constipation. Diagnosis involves physical exams, colonoscopy, and imaging tests. Treatment includes medications, dietary changes, pelvic floor therapy, or surgery in severe cases. Proper medical care ensures effective management and recovery as explained by a senior Proctologist and Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Mumbai

Tenesmus is a term used to describe a persistent and often painful sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation or the feeling that you need to pass stools even after having a bowel movement. This sensation can be accompanied by straining, cramping, or discomfort in the rectum or lower abdomen.

Incomplete Bowel Evacuation Treatment Tenesmus

Causes of Tenesmus - Incomplete Bowel Evacuation

  1. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, can lead to tenesmus.
  2. Rectal Diseases: Conditions affecting the rectum, such as proctitis (inflammation of the rectum), anal fissures, Haemorrhoids, or rectal cancer, can cause tenesmus.
  3. Pelvic Floor Disorders: Weakened or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles can interfere with the normal process of bowel movements, leading to tenesmus.
  4. Constipation: Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements can irritate the rectum and contribute to tenesmus.
  5. Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for cancers in the pelvic area can cause inflammation and irritation of the rectum, leading to tenesmus.

Symptoms of Tenesmus - Incomplete Bowel Evacuation

The primary symptom of tenesmus is a persistent and often painful sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, even after passing stools. Other symptoms may include:

  1. Frequent urges to have a bowel movement
  2. Straining or cramping during bowel movements
  3. Rectal pain or discomfort
  4. Passing small amounts of stool or mucus
  5. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, as tenesmus can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Incomplete Bowel Evacuation - Tenesmus

Diagnostic Procedures:
To determine the cause of tenesmus and develop an appropriate treatment plan, a Gastrointestinal Surgeon may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic procedures:

Procedure

Purpose

Physical Examination

Evaluate the rectum and anus for any abnormalities

Digital Rectal Examination

Manually examine the rectum for masses or other issues

Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy

Visually inspect the rectum and colon using a lighted tube

Imaging Tests (CT, MRI)

Obtain detailed images of the rectum and surrounding areas

Anorectal Manometry

Assess the function of the rectum and anal sphincter muscles

Tenesmus (Incomplete Bowel evacuation) Treatment in Mumbai:

  1. Medication: A Gastrointestinal Surgeon may prescribe medications to manage inflammation, reduce spasms, or treat any underlying conditions contributing to tenesmus.
  2. Dietary Changes: Adjustments to your diet, such as increasing fibre intake or avoiding certain irritating foods, may help alleviate symptoms.
  3. Pelvic Floor Therapy: Exercises and techniques to strengthen and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles can help resolve tenesmus caused by pelvic floor disorders.
  4. Surgery: In severe cases or if other treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures may be necessary to address the underlying condition causing tenesmus, such as removing a rectal tumour or repairing an anal fissure.

Recovery Period for Tenesmus

The recovery period for tenesmus can vary depending on the underlying cause and the treatment approach. With appropriate medical management, many cases of tenesmus can be resolved or significantly improved within a few weeks or months. However, if surgery is required, the recovery period may be longer.

Pre and Post-operative Care

If surgery is recommended for your condition causing tenesmus, Gastrointestinal Surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for pre-operative preparation and post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery. These may include:

Pre-operative Care:

  1. Dietary restrictions
  2. Bowel preparation or cleansing instructions
  3. Discontinuing certain medications temporarily

Post-operative Care:

  1. Taking prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infections
  2. Adhering to dietary recommendations
  3. Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
  4. Engaging in appropriate physical activity or pelvic floor exercises as recommended

Gastrointestinal Surgeon will guide you through the entire process, addressing any concerns or questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tenesmus itself is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be a symptom of an underlying issue that may require medical attention. Persistent or severe tenesmus should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

While stress and anxiety can contribute to digestive issues, they are not typically the primary cause of Tenesmus. However, managing stress and anxiety can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with Tenesmus.

No, Tenesmus is not a contagious condition. It is a symptom of an underlying issue, which may or may not be contagious depending on the cause.

Contact Us

Seeking prompt health advice for Tenesmus (Incomplete Bowel Movement treatment in Mumbai) is not just for symptom relief but also for screening associated problems.

If you are near Mumbai, you can Contact the Senior Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Mumbai – Dr Pradeep Shriyan

Don’t ignore the troublesome symptoms of Proctitis, Peptic Ulcer, IBS or related issues. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment of Peptic Ulcers, Stomach pain, etc are crucial for preventing potential complications and ensuring a successful outcome.

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