Using a Toilet Stool for Post-Surgery Recovery Guide

1. Using a Toilet Stool for Post-Surgery Recovery : Guide Recovering from surgery—especially abdominal, colorectal or pelvic procedures—can bring unexpected hurdles: pain, discomfort, changes to bowel habits, and anxiety around toileting. For many, the fear of straining or irritating internal sutures becomes a real concern. That’s where a toilet stool (also known as a “step stool” or a squat-assist footrest) can make a difference. By adjusting posture and helping to reduce strain, a toilet stool may support safer, gentler bowel movements during recovery. In this article, we’ll explore how using a toilet stool for post-surgery recovery can benefit you, the evidence behind it, best practices, risks, and how to choose one that suits you. Why Bowel Function Often Changes After Surgery Before we discuss stool use, it’s useful to understand why many people struggle with bowel movements after surgery: Medication Effects: Painkillers—especially opioids—can slow gut motility and cause constipation. Reduced Mobility: Early days after surgery often involve limited movement, which slows intestinal transit. Diet Change / Hydration: Patients may consume less fibre, less fluid, or altered diet due to nausea or restrictions. Physiological Disruption: In abdominal or colorectal surgery, segments of bowel or innervation may get temporarily “shocked,” altering motility. Fear of Strain: Patients may consciously avoid pushing or straining, leading to “holding back” or incomplete elimination. Because of these, it’s not uncommon to experience constipation, incomplete evacuation, or general discomfort after surgery. A toilet stool can help mitigate one of the biggest obstacles: the mechanical and physiological strain of passing stool. What Is a Toilet Stool (Squat Assist Device)? A toilet stool (often marketed under names like Squatty Potty) is a footrest that wraps around or fits close to your toilet base, allowing you to raise your feet while seated. This recreates a partial squatting posture rather than the conventional 90° sitting posture. By elevating the feet, the angle between the rectum and anus is changed—typically straightening the path and relaxing the puborectalis muscle—which can reduce the effort needed to pass stool. In effect, a toilet stool offers a posture modification tool (sometimes called a “defecation postural modification device” or DPMD). Benefits of Using a Toilet Stool During Post-Surgery Recovery Here are key advantages, especially in a post-operative context: 1. Reduce Strain on Surgical Sites Because the toilet stool helps you adopt a gentler posture, there’s less pushing and intra-abdominal pressure. This can be safer for internal stitches, anastomoses, or sites of surgical repair. 2. Encourage More Complete Evacuation Studies have shown that using stool aids can lead to reduced incomplete evacuation and faster bowel movements—users often feel more “emptied” and spend less time straining. https://www.squattypottyaustralia.com/

2. 3. Support Pelvic Floor & Bowel Physiology By relaxing the puborectalis muscle and straightening the anorectal angle, the stool helps alignment of the colon and rectum, facilitating passage with less resistance. Especially in colorectal or pelvic surgery recoveries, reducing strain on the pelvic floor may support better long-term function. Soulshine Pelvic Health 4. Faster, More Comfortable Bowel Movements Some users report reduced time on the toilet. In a study, average passage time dropped from about 113 seconds to 55 seconds with use of a stool. 5. Non-Pharmacological Aid (Adjunct, not Replacement) Unlike laxatives or stool softeners, a toilet stool is a mechanical aid—not a medication. For many recovering patients, combining posture support with gentle laxatives or fibre changes may yield better outcomes. Evidence & Limitations While many users and clinicians find benefit, it’s important to note: The body of rigorous clinical trials specifically in post-surgery patients is limited. Much evidence comes from studies on healthy individuals or people with chronic constipation, not exclusively post-operative cohorts. A recent scoping review (2024) noted that though squatting posture may reduce digestive strain and aid evacuation, musculoskeletal effects vary, especially in people with joint vulnerability. Excessive or forced straining—even in a “squat" position—can be harmful in some cases (e.g. hemorrhoids or prolapse) if misused. One should not rely solely on posture aids—diet, hydration, mobility, and medical oversight remain critical. Thus, while a toilet stool is promising, it’s best seen as part of a holistic recovery plan. How to Use a Toilet Stool Safely During Recovery Here’s a step-by-step guide and precautions: (a) Position it properly Ensure the stool is snug against the toilet base (non-slip). Some models wrap around the base. Place your feet on it gently—start low (e.g. 7-inch or adjustable height) until comfortable. The aim is to lift knees above hips slightly without strain. (b) Use gentle technique Sit comfortably, lean forward a little, relax your abdominal and pelvic muscles. Do not force or push excessively—if nothing happens in a minute or two, pause. It can help to exhale and relax rather than bear down. (c) Combine with supportive measures Keep up your surgeon’s recommended stool softeners or laxatives if prescribed. Maintain hydration and a fibre-rich diet (as allowed). Walk gently (as permitted) to encourage bowel motility. (d) Monitor and adjust Start with short sessions (1–2 minutes) before giving up; do not stay too long. If pain or bleeding occurs, discontinue and consult your medical provider. Adjust the stool height or angle if necessary for comfort. (e) Clean regularly Because of hygiene, wash the stool with mild disinfectant or antibacterial cleaner regularly. Moisture can degrade some materials over time. https://www.squattypottyaustralia.com/

3. Risks, Contraindications & Red Flags Before you adopt this approach, be aware: If your surgeon or colorectal team has cautioned against any form of intra-abdominal pressure, check with them before using a stool. Avoid forced pushing—especially if you have had rectal or anal surgery, as this may stress anastomoses. Discontinue use if you notice bleeding, worsening pain, or inability to pass anything altogether. If you have severe joint or hip limitations, the posture change may be physically uncomfortable. Persistent constipation or change in stool pattern beyond what is expected should prompt medical review (e.g. risk of bowel obstruction). Someone recovering from spinal or orthopaedic surgery may find the posture adjustment uncomfortable—so weigh benefit vs mobility/comfort. Integrating the Toilet Stool Into Your Recovery Routine Here is a simple roadmap: Begin early (as allowed): As soon as bowel function is anticipated (in consultation with your surgical team), introduce the stool. Gentle use: Start with one attempt daily, maybe in the morning. Combine with standard recovery measures: hydration, mobility, fibre or soft diet, stool softeners. Track your comfort, time, sensation: Note if you feel less strain or faster passage. Adjust height or style: As comfort improves, you may shift to more “active” positions or higher heights. Consult professionals: If issues persist, consult your colorectal nurse, physiotherapist (especially pelvic floor), or surgeon for tailored guidance. Also Read:- Choosing the Right Height for Your Toilet Stool Conclusion Using a toilet stool during post-surgery recovery isn’t a miracle cure—but it’s a thoughtful, low-risk tool that can help many people manage one of the trickiest parts of healing: bowel movements. By reducing strain, supporting better alignment, and enabling smoother passage, it may reduce fear, improve comfort, and protect delicate internal work. If you are recovering, you might ask: Could this tool reduce my anxiety about toileting? Can I trial it safely under my surgeon’s guidance? Which stool design will feel comfortable early on and remain useful as I heal? If you decide to try one, start gently, track your effect, and communicate with your health team. Over time, you may find that using a toilet stool becomes a valued ally in your recovery journey. Disclaimer The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product. https://www.squattypottyaustralia.com/