How does anesthesia cause constipation?

Narcotics: Patients are typically prescribed narcotic pain medications after surgery. Constipation is a common side-effect of narcotics.

Side effect: Opioid pain medications are usually administered and are constipating. Other anesthetics can slow down gut movement. Pain and surgical manipulation of the gut can as well. Some studies suggest using regional anesthesia techniques like epidural or nerve block can wake gut sooner, though there are other risks. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss your options.

Narcotics: Narcotics are frequently used as part of the general anesthesia procedure. Narcotics such as morphine as known decrease 'peristalsis', which refers to the movement of the intestines.

It doesn't: Anesthesia itself does not cause constipation. What does cause it are the narcotic pain medications that are given to help manage your post-operative pain.