What happens when you're constipated and feel like you've tried EVERYTHING? And at what point does surgery become an option?
In this episode of The Gut Show, I'm joined by colorectal surgeon Dr. Carmen Fong to talk about chronic constipation from a surgeon's perspective. We're getting into the different types of constipation, how she decides which tests and treatments actually make sense, and what she considers when someone comes to her after medications, laxatives, and other treatments haven't worked.
We also talk about colonics, defecography, and whether removing part or all of the colon can actually treat constipation.
In this episode, we cover:
Dr. Carmen Fong 2:04
You're a surgeon…can't you just look inside me and see what's wrong? [7:37]
How do you define constipation? 8:30
Types of constipation [10:13]
What are you thinking about when recommending a treatment? [12:08]
Constipation cases where they have already tried everything [16:52]
Defecography [26:27]
Surgery for constipation - can you remove the colon? [30:16]
Would you remove a redundant colon? [35:07]
Trying to poop and taking too much laxatives or medications [36:42]
Is it okay if you don't have a perfect 4 every day? [41:04]
Colonics [42:46]
Words of wisdom [47:21]
Mentioned in this episode:
MASTER Method Membership
What's your poop personality?
Colon Cancer Is Rising: What You Need to Know
Constipation Nation
About our guest:
Dr. Fong is a Chinese-American colorectal surgeon who is double-board certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society for her compassionate care. After completing her residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, she further specialized with a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital/NYU Winthrop. She serves on national medical committees, has presented research at esteemed conferences, and shares her knowledge through blogging and public outreach.
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