Baek Il-seob Says, "I Couldn’t Urinate or Have a Bowel Movement for Three Days"—Health Scare That Prompted a 119 Call [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Actor Baek Il-seob revealed that he once called 119 after being unable to urinate or have a bowel movement following multiple back and knee surgeries. Urinary problems involving a complete inability to urinate or abdominal pain may require emergency medical attention.

Maeil Broadcasting Network (MBN) released a preview video for 'Dongchimi' on the 2nd. In the video, Baek Il-seob said, "I had back surgery and both knees operated on, so I had about four surgeries in total." He added, "The back surgery did not go well, so I had it twice. I was under general anesthesia during all four surgeries."

Describing what happened at the time, he said, "They told me that my kidneys would deteriorate. It kept building up, and I couldn’t urinate or have a bowel movement for three full days." He added, "I called 119 and went to the hospital."


According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), acute urinary retention is a condition in which a person cannot urinate and may be accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Anyone who cannot urinate or has severe abdominal pain should seek medical attention immediately.

Difficulty urinating after surgery can be associated with anesthesia, pain-control medications, reduced movement after surgery, advanced age, and preexisting urinary problems. A United States National Library of Medicine resource on postoperative urinary retention describes it as being unable to urinate even when the bladder is full after surgery. Delayed detection and treatment can lead to urinary tract infections, reduced bladder function, pain, and, in severe cases, kidney problems.
A decrease in urine output does not always indicate the same disease. According to Seoul National University Hospital’s medical information, acute kidney failure is a sudden decline in kidney function that prevents the body from eliminating waste and excess fluid. Symptoms may include reduced urine output, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and seizures. The underlying cause must be determined through blood tests, urine tests, imaging, and other examinations.

Going several days without a bowel movement should not be dismissed as a minor inconvenience. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Health Information Portal, constipation cannot be assessed solely by the frequency of bowel movements. Other symptoms, including difficult bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, hard stools, and excessive straining, should also be considered.
Reduced activity and changes in food intake after surgery can affect bowel movements. Some medications used for pain control can also affect intestinal motility. In older adults, sudden-onset constipation, bloody stools, anemia, unintentional weight loss, or changes in stool caliber should prompt evaluation for other causes, including colorectal disease.
As in Baek Il-seob’s case, anyone who cannot urinate or have a bowel movement and is unable to get to a hospital alone should not delay seeking help. Urinary problems may be related to the bladder, prostate, nervous system, or kidney function, while bowel problems must be distinguished from other conditions, such as intestinal obstruction or medication effects.

[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter