Overview
A fistula can cause severe complications. An early-stage fistula can be treated with medications but most of the fistulas need a surgical intervention.
The most common surgical treatment for fistulas is fistulotomy which removes the fistula. A more complex procedure is the fistulectomy which along with the fistula also removes the surrounding area that has been affected.
Recovery after surgery depends on the type of surgery and your overall health condition.
Postoperative care after a fistula surgery is very important. One should take precautions and adequate rest, otherwise, the recovery period will be extended and there may be complications.
Dos – Here are some dos after a fistula surgery
Common precautions and tips for recovery after a fistula surgery:
Wound care
Proper wound care is your early ticket to recovery. Do not ignore the surgical site. Avoid keeping the wound site dirty or wet. Keep it dry and clean.
In the beginning, you might find some thick mucus fluid leaking out of the wound site. This is normal.
The wound site may sometimes feel itchy but do not scratch the area. Apply some prescription ointment for relief.
Take note of any signs of infection in the wound site like hotness or green pus and contact your doctor immediately.
Follow guidelines on how to change the surgical dressing. You may be asked to change the dressing daily and, in some cases, the next day of surgery.
It is adequate to gather necessary information about wound care and dressing from your doctor.
Proper hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene is very important. Wash the wound site with clear warm water and pat it dry with a soft cotton towel. Do not use perfumed soap or powder in the area. Keep the area dry all the time to prevent infections.
Take sitz baths
Immerse yourself in a shallow sitz bath to alleviate pain and inflammation. You can also add some Epsom salt to the water. Sitz baths relax the sphincter muscles and help in bowel movements and urination.
After bathing, use a soft cotton towel to pat the area dry.
Take laxatives
If you are having constipation, do not strain. Take laxatives which can help in bowel movements.
Managing pain
It is common to experience some pain after a fistula surgery.
Types of pain after a fistula surgery:
- Muscle spasms and discomfort in the anal area
- Pain and inflammation in the wound site
- Discomfort and pain during bowel movements
Tips to manage pain:
- Avoid strenuous activities as it can cause pain
- Apply warm compresses or ice packs to reduce inflammation and ease pain
- Take laxatives for constipation and pain during defecation
- Muscle relaxants can relieve muscle spasms
Low impact exercises
After surgery, your doctor will ask you to wait for a few weeks before you can resume your exercise routine. You may start with light exercises to avoid irritation in the location of the fistula.
Follow a proper diet
Follow a healthy and nutritious diet that aids in your recovery. A balanced diet with plenty of fluids helps in the easy movement of stool and proper healing of the wound site.
Nutritional support is vital for post-surgical healing and overall well-being.
Go for regular follow-up visits
Be sure to go for regular follow-up visits to the doctor. Stay informed and keep your doctor updated about your recovery and healing process.
The don’ts – Here are things you need to avoid after a fistula surgery
Ignoring signs of complication
Watch out for signs of complication. Do not ignore symptoms like high fever, profuse bleeding from the wound site, bloating, or gas. Do not attempt to handle the situation on your own. Consult your doctor immediately.
Return to work immediately after surgery
Like any other surgery, a fistula surgery also requires you to take ample rest for complete recovery. Take some time off from work and rest at home.
Strenuous activities and sports
Do not engage in heavy-duty activities like heavy lifting or contact sports. Avoid extensive workouts or outdoor sports. This can impact the surgical site and increase the chances of recurrence of the condition.
Not taking medications on time
It is crucial to take medications on time. Failure to do so puts you at risk for complications. Take the recommended dose of painkillers regularly as well as antibiotics to ease pain and prevent infections.
Improper hygiene
Inadequate hygiene can lead to infections on the wound site.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
