How long will my post operation gurgles last? :-)

My operation Resection retroperitoneal sarcoma left nephrectomy left hemicolectomy splenectomy Distal pancreatectomy was November last year. We put my life in the hands of the top surgeons and I am doing well, so far, fingers crossed :-)

Sometimes, not all the time, there is a gurgling sound, along my front, left side and back where my kidney used to be. I was told by a consultant in our local hospital, as an explanation, it is as if my plumbing has been replumbed, he said with a smile. That's fine. I just wondered if you knew how long that might go on for? also something sort of moving around.

I hope this doesn't sound too daft!

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  • Hello Mary and thanks for your post,

    I can understand that it is a long time since you have had the surgery and I can imagine you want these gurgling sounds to settle down. I am afraid I can't give you a time line as to when these will settle down but it might be interesting hearing from other members of the forum on their experiences with a gurgling stomach.

    You have posted in 'ask the nurses' but if you post on a different thread or start your own you may find that you get more responses from others who have had similar surgery.

    As long as you are having a regular bowel movement and you are eating well that is the most important thing.

    You could try and experiment with eating smaller more frequent meals to see if this has an effect. Trying to keep a diary to see if there are any triggers that make the gurgling worse or better may also help.

    I have come across this forum which is part of Bowel Cancer UK. Members of the forum are talking about tips to help with a rumbling tummy.

    Hopefully as time goes on these will settle down or you will find what foods  work for you.

    If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Thank you.

    It is not a rumbling tummy though.

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