After Anal and Rectal Surgery

Advices After Anal Surgery

In the days following anal or rectal operations, what are the medical advice to achieve full recovery properly, not to have any relapses and to eliminate any feeling of pain or discomfort?

Use pain relievers

  • Take analgesics every three to four hours as needed for pain.
  • Apply lidocaine gel to the anus (inside and outside) every two to four hours as needed
  • Take a hot bath in warm water for at least 10 minutes three times a day. This is the minimum and there is no maximum. It is the most effective way to control pain.
  • Expect the pain to improve in about three to five days after surgery.

Take care of the surgical site

  • Remove the bandage the morning after surgery and take a warm bath.
  • After showering, pat dry the area.
  • After each bowel movement, clean the area gently with water or a shower / bath to keep the area clean.
  • If asked to place a wet gauze pad in the wound, do so several times a day.
  • Insert gauze into the wound so that it covers all surfaces.

Make sure to drink six to eight glasses of water or any other non-caffeinated beverage per day.

Dr. Khaldoun Ghareb – General Surgeon and Proctology

Bowel movements

  • Pain relievers can cause constipation and passing hard stools will increase the pain. Take a stool softener
  • Take the sedative (Movicol, fibrilax-fybogel …) twice daily, as well as the recommended laxatives.
  • Make sure to drink six to eight glasses of water or any other non-caffeinated beverage a day.
  • Do not give yourself an enema unless you get permission from the surgeon.
  • If 2 days have passed without a bowel movement, take 1 tablespoon of Duphalac 30ml in the evening. If after three days you still don’t see any results, contact your surgeon.

Bleeding

Bleeding is expected with each bowel movement. If the bleeding does not stop within 6 hours after a bowel movement, or if the amount of bleeding gets worse over time or if you have had blood clots, contact your surgeon.

Peeing

It may be difficult to urinate after surgery. You may press to urinate – this will not harm the area where the operation was performed. If you are not able to urinate, try sitting (for men) or try urinating in a warm bath. If you are still unable to urinate 18 hours after surgery, go to the emergency department. They may need to have a catheter placed in the bladder to empty it. Don’t wait more than 12 to 18 hours.

Do not sit for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. You can also sit on an air cushion.

Dr. Khaldoun Ghareb – General Surgeon and Proctology

Activity

  • You can do as long as you feel comfortable after surgery. Do not sit for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. You can sit on an airbag.
  • Avoid driving a car while taking pain relievers.
  • You can return to work when you feel ready. This may take several days, depending on the procedure. Ask your doctor about specific restrictions.

Follow up

Make an appointment with your surgeon for 10 days after surgery.

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