Postoperative Instruction for Anorectal Surgery

1. Diet as desired, unless instructed otherwise.
   
2. You may be out of bed as desired. You may use the stairs.
   
3. Apply an ice pack over the dressing for the first 12-24 hours after surgery; this will help reduce pain and swelling.
   
4. Warm tub or Sitz bathes for approximately 10-15 minutes, at least 4 times daily, and especially after bowel movements.
   
5. Moisten toilet paper, use moist cotton or non-alcohol baby wipes for cleansing after bowel movements.
   
6. Take your pain medicine as prescribed. Avoid taking pain medicine on an empty stomach. Begin pain medicine when you get home after surgery.
   
7. Konsyl, Metamucil, Citrucel or Benefiber daily. Follow the instructions on the label. You may increase to twice daily as needed. Bulk fiber supplements are important to use consistently while the wounds are healing.
   
8. Milk of Magnesia 1 tablespoon daily for 7 days.
   
9. If no Bowel Movement for 48 hours, take 2 Dulcolax tablets.
   
10. You may see some bleeding or drainage from the wounds or with BMs. You do not need to wear a bandage; however, a minipad may prevent soiling of your clothes.
    
11. No driving, Heavy Lifting or Strenuous Exercise for 1-2 weeks.
    
12. For routine questions or prescription refills, please call the office during regular business hours.
    
13. Call the office for an appointment in ___________________________.

Disclaimer: The above are generalized instructions for the “average” patient. Any instructions given by surgeon on discharge specifically to you supersede those enumerated above.