"I Live Alone and Called 119"... Baek Il-seop Reveals His Terrifying 'Three Days'

[Financial News] Veteran actor Baek Il-seop recently revealed on a television program that he was rushed to the emergency room after suffering severe urinary and bowel dysfunction following multiple spine and joint surgeries performed under general anesthesia.
According to a preview video released on the 3rd for Maeil Broadcasting Network (MBN)’s ‘Dongchimi,’ Baek Il-seop said, "I underwent a total of four surgeries on my back and knees, and each time I was put under general anesthesia." He added, "The aftereffects of the surgeries accumulated, and I couldn’t pass urine or stool for three full days. I couldn’t go to the hospital by myself, so I called the 119 emergency number and went there." It was an acute emergency that occurred while he was living alone.

The inability to urinate after spinal or joint surgery in old age is medically known as acute urinary retention. It occurs when the bladder is full but urine cannot be expelled because the urethra is blocked or the bladder’s ability to contract has weakened. In older men in particular, previously undiagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia can interact with general anesthetics, opioid painkillers administered after surgery, and anticholinergic drugs. This can impair the nerves controlling the bladder muscles and easily lead to acute urinary retention.
The risk of declining kidney function also rises significantly. Temporary drops in blood pressure during general anesthesia, inadequate fluid levels before and after surgery, and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain control can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and damage kidney function. More importantly, if urine flow is blocked for several days, accumulated urine can flow back through the ureters toward the kidneys, causing hydronephrosis and eventually progressing to the potentially fatal condition of acute kidney failure.
Bowel obstruction and severe constipation can further fuel this vicious cycle. Reduced activity after surgery, combined with the side effects of anesthetics and painkillers, can cause ileus or severe constipation. Hard stool that remains trapped in the intestines can place strong physical pressure on the nearby bladder and urethra, further worsening urinary dysfunction.

Experts warn that being unable to pass urine or stool for several days should never be dismissed as simple indigestion. It is an emergency requiring immediate treatment because excessive bladder expansion can cause not only bladder rupture but also urinary tract infections, uremia, and even sepsis, a systemic infection.
Therefore, if no urine comes out at all and lower abdominal pain becomes severe, patients should go to the emergency room without delay and have a urinary catheter inserted to relieve pressure on the bladder.
Older men preparing for surgery should inform their medical team in advance about any underlying benign prostatic hyperplasia. They should also carefully check whether prescribed painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or ingredients in cold medicine could interfere with urinary function after surgery.
In addition, older adults who live alone may be unable to move independently if their physical condition suddenly deteriorates. It is therefore advisable to establish in advance a family contact network for regular health checks or arrange access to a local government emergency safety and reassurance service.
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter