Post Bowel / Liver Resection Post-Op Symptoms - Q for Those Who Have Been There

[Allen]

Hello, All. New to the board, but I've already benefited from a number of postings. [BTW, don't know how to fill in the little bio section that most people seem to have.]

I had surgery 1 mo. ago ago, w/ removal of approx 20% of my liver and about 18 cm of colon (around rectosigmoid junction). All went well and the good news is that the surgeons are confident that they got everything (in fact, single liver lesion had been obliterated by chemo and could not be found, even on path).

Doing pretty well post-op, but I do have a few minor (in the scheme of things) nagging symptoms. My groin remains a bit swollen, around pubic bone, primarily on the side of the incision for the bowel procedure. Also, testicle on that side is also moderately swollen and painful. The inflammation has receded somewhat since I left the hospital, but definitely still there and fairly annoying (no boxer shorts for me since surgery).

I've also experienced a "dry orgasm," which I know has been discussed on this board previously.

I asked at post-op a week ago and was told this was to be expected. I don't doubt that, but I'm curious about the experience of others.

Has anyone had groin / testicle swelling a month out from surgery?

Also, for those of you who have experienced dry orgasms - was it temporary for anyone? I've read conflicting things on the internet about likelihood that this will resolve. It seems like it must be related to the inflammation, but I suppose it could be an unrelated nerve problem.

Thanks in advance!

[NHMike]

I asked my surgeon about the "dry orgasm" and she said that it's retrograde ejaculation so the sperm goes into the bladder - probably some valve that doesn't function properly. In my case, I'd guess that it was due to either the ureter stents or the catheter. I was going to look into it after the reversal and chest port removal. I had pain in that general region when my bladder filled up but things got a lot better when the stents and catheter was removed.

I didn't have pain in the pubic area but did around the scar above, particularly if I pressed in the area. There's a huge scar so that's no surprise.

Have you tried asking your surgeon what it might be?

[Allen]

Thanks for the reply. I did ask, and was told that all these symptoms are not unusual at this point post op and will likely resolve.

[LeonW]

Has anyone had groin / testicle swelling a month out from surgery?

No, I did not. But could it be caused by insufficient blood supply?
After my colon resection (immediately following diagnosis - liver resection was done 9 mos later), surgeon mentioned that he had removed cancer growths all over the place and had also cut out the vein that supplies blood to testicles. So he got urologist over to check. Is your blood supply still intact?
L

[Allen]

Appreciate reply. I don't believe it is a blood supply issue.