Lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is the surgical removal of a cancerous lump (or tumor) in the breast, along with a small margin of Lumpectomy | Breast Cancer Treatment | Imaginis - The Women's Health & Wellness Resource Network. Text size A - A +.
Painkillers, specifically narcotics, can cause constipation. A lot of receptors for the narcotic class of drugs are in the digestive tract, so it tends to bring everything to a halt, says Thomas Park, MD, a gastroenterologist with the University of Rochester Medical Center Park in New York.
The most effective medications for constipation are stool softeners. These work by drawing water into the bowel to 'flush' out the stool. They include lactulose, sorbitol or, most commonly, polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) . Polyethylene glycol is safe for children and can be used long-term.