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Colon
Rectal Surgical Associates
Robert P. Akbari, MD
410-363-6664
Postoperative
Instructions following Ano-Rectal Surgery
- You just underwent
anorectal surgery. Expect to feel somewhat fatigued for a time period.
Also, remember that you may be quite uncomfortable and tender for a
few weeks.
- Normal daily activities
OK. Avoid strenuous activities and bike riding for one month.
- Expect some blood
with bowel-movements initially. The wound takes a few weeks to a month
to heal typically. Using non-alcoholic baby wipes are useful after bowel
movements.
- Urinary retention
can occur after anorectal surgery. If you feel unable to urinate, try
standing in the shower to see if that helps. If that does not work,
call your surgeon. You may need to be catheterized temporarily.
- You will typically
be given a prescription for a narcotic pain pill. Take your pain pills
as directed. Do not be concerned with the possibility of tolerance or
addiction. This is virtually unheard of in this setting. These will
dull the discomfort but not completely get rid of it.
- Take sitz baths
or warm tub soaks daily (3 times a day/10 to 15 minutes at a time is
optimal). This will help with discomfort and allow the wound(s) to drain
effectively until healed.
- Other measures
to minimize discomfort include cruched ice in a baggy or heat pads applied
to the area intermittently
- Do not drive for
1-2 weeks after the procedure, depending on how you feel. Do not drive
when still taking narcotic pain pills.
- In regards to
diet, a regular diet is OK. Highly seasoned foods should be limited.
Also, staying hydrated is very important.
- Supplemental daily
fiber should be taken (examples include Metamucil, Citrucel, Konsyl,
BeneFiber, and FiberCon). Works best when drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid
per day.
- It is not uncommon
after anorectal surgery to have erratic bowel habits (diarrhea/constipation/changes
in bowel movement frequency etc). However, if diarrhea or constipation
are excessive, do not hesitate to contact surgeon regarding this.
- If no BM for a
few days, try mineral oil or Milk of Magnesia; contact surgeon if no
response to these efforts.
- Contact surgeon
with any concerning symptoms such as: fevers/chills/new skin redness/
new wound drainage (signs of infection), bleeding, or lightheadedness.
- If any questions
or concerns are not addressed here, feel free to call surgeon. There
will always be someone available to address your questions/concerns.
Disclaimer: The above
are generalized instructions for the “average” patient. Any
instructions given by surgeon on discharge specifically to you supersede
those enumerated above.
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