Dr. Tran Khai Nghi, head of the Department of Gastrointestinal Functional Surgery at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, reported that the female patient was admitted with severe malnutrition, her body mass index (BMI) at 16,5.

Previously, the woman experienced chronic constipation and faced constant pressure to control her weight, leading her to use the laxative Bisacodyl, commonly known as "pink pills". Starting with one pill daily, her dosage gradually increased to two, five, 100, and at times, 800 pills, to stimulate bowel movements.

Upon discontinuing the medication, she lost the ability to have natural bowel movements, experiencing edema and fatigue. Her blood creatinine levels surged above 300 mol/L, directly threatening kidney function, while her electrolyte system was severely disrupted due to potassium and sodium deficiencies.

During laparoscopic surgery, the surgical team discovered that the nerve plexus in the patient's colon had degenerated, the muscle layer had atrophied, and it had completely lost its peristaltic function. Doctors decided to remove the damaged segment of the bowel, ending the vicious cycle of medication, bowel movements, constipation, and increasing dosages that had persisted for years.

Currently, the patient has been discharged home to continue rehabilitation, according to Jiefang Daily. Following the laparoscopic surgery to remove the necrotic bowel segment and connect the colon to the rectum, her health has improved. Kidney function indicators have gradually stabilized, and her digestive system has fully regained the ability to have natural bowel movements.

Medical staff from Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital receiving a patient. Photo: Jiefang Daily

Medical staff from Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital receiving a patient. Photo: Jiefang Daily

The Department of Gastrointestinal Functional Surgery at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital has observed a sharp increase in the abuse of laxatives for weight loss. Over the past year, the unit has admitted 10 female patients, with an average age of 35. All these cases involved consuming over 50 "pink pills" daily and were hospitalized with emaciation, hypokalemia, kidney failure, and anxiety disorders.

Dr. Tran explained that many mistakenly believe laxatives aid detoxification and calorie expulsion. In reality, the body primarily absorbs nutrients in the small intestine, while Bisacodyl only acts on the large intestine. The drug does not break down excess fat but creates a false weight loss effect due to the body losing water and electrolytes through diarrhea. When users rehydrate and resume eating, their weight immediately recovers.

Medical experts warn that high-dose abuse of this specific drug can destroy heart and kidney function, cause seizures, systemic weakness, and psychophysiological disorders. Doctors recommend that people maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise to manage their weight, and seek specialized medical consultation for chronic constipation instead of self-medicating.

Binh Minh (According to Jiefang Daily)