Upcoming hysterectomy: So what is the story with the CO2

I have been reading that they use Co2 in your abdomen to raise it up for more room, but that this can cause terrible gas pain afterwards. I just want some info on this. i am going to buy gas x and some colace stool softner so that i can avoid this. But just want some info.

Hi Sassy0876,

The 'gas' pains from the CO2 are very different from the gas pains in your bowel. When you are having your operation you will likely be in a position called Trendelenburg, which is basically tilted head down. This allows for better visualization for the surgeon, but also allows some of the CO2 gas to seep up into your shoulder area. This is the terrible gas pain caused by CO2. Gas-X and things like that will not be effective.

The gas pains from you bowels are from moving and manipulating them. This causes them to become very slow and sluggish. This is why they make sure you have passed gas or had a bowel movement after surgery! Gas-X and colace will definitely work for this type of gas!

Hope that helps