How long should pain last after anal surgery?

- Patients typically experience pain for 1-3 weeks after anal surgery.

What can I eat after surgery?

- After anal surgery, you can eat your normal diet, but we recommend foods that do NOT cause constipation for you.

- After abdominal/intestinal surgery, where a new bowel or intestine connection is made by Dr. Parker, you can eat most anything, but PLEASE AVOID ROUGHAGE and INSOLUBLE FIBER for 3 WEEKS. 

- Specifically avoid peels and skins.  For example, you can eat canned fruit, chewed well.  You can eat steamed/cooked carrots and peas, but please avoid broccoli, celery, asparagus, cauliflower, leafy vegetables.  You can peel and remove seeds on cucumbers and tomatoes, and chew them well.  

- You can eat soluble fiber, found in Benefiber, and foods without significant "roughage". Refried beans, for example, should be fine.

- We recommend you peel and cook all vegetables for 3 weeks, after which you can eat anything you want. 

- Daily fiber recommendations are 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.  

What can I do to help relieve the anal pain? 

-- You can take the prescribed pain medication, which does include Acetaminophen (max 4000 mg/day).

- If you choose an Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen combination, please take as follows: Tylenol 1000 MG every 6 hours alternating with Ibuprofen 600 MG every 6 hours, so every 3 hours you can take something.

- You may also call our office for a prescription of an ointment, Diltiazem with Lidocaine, which can help relax the internal anal sphincter, to help with anal spasms.

- This is a compound ointment made at Higganum Nutmeg Pharmacy and costs $45.00, as insurance does not cover.

- You may also do warm water baths or Sitzbaths to help relax the anal spincter muscle.  This refers to irrigating your bottom in a basin of warm water. You can do this for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times daily. 

I feel a loose stitch near anus, so what do I do?

- I use absorbable stitches that dissolve.

- If you feel a stitch causing irritatioanal n, you should call us.

Is bleeding normal after surgery?

- You may experience some bleeding and mucus drainage.

- You may use gauze or a pad to avoid staining your clothing.

- Bleeding can occur with bowel movements or vigorous wiping.

- If excessive bleeding, please call us or go to the closest emergency department.

How do I clean the anus?

- You can apply antibiotic ointment or Calmoseptine to skin around the anus.

- You can shower immediately after anal surgery.

- You can wipe the anus normally with toilet paper, wet wipes or both.

I feel like there is a new hemorrhoid, what do I do?

- Swelling is common and patients may interpret swelling as a new hemorrhoid.

- Swelling should improve.

- If you're concerned that you developed a new hemorrhoid, you should be seen by a provider.

How long should I wait until returning to work after anal surgery or abdominal surgery?

- Patients typically return to work within 1-3 weeks after anal surgery.

- Patients can return to work within 2-4 weeks after abdominal surgery, depending on symptoms and type of work.

What do I do for constipation after surgery? 

- It's possible to not have a bowel movement for 1-2 days after surgery.

- You may experience bloating and abdominal cramping with constipation.

- Maintain adequate fiber intake using supplements and fiber-based foods

- Drink 2 liters (64 oz) of water and non-caffeinated beverages per day, if your heart/kidneys allow.

- You may use the following to help alleviate the constipation, but try not to create diarrhea:

Milk of Magnesia (15-30 mL) use 1 dose every 4 hours as needed

Mineral Oil: 1 tablespoon orally each night without other meds

Miralax: 17 grams taken 1-2 times daily

Colace: 100 MG twice daily to soften stool

I am unable to urinate, what do I do?

- If you have not urinated for approximately 6 hours after the operation, or if you have pelvic pain/pressure, please come to the emergency department.

When should I have my postoperative visit with Dr. Parker?

- Typically,  patients are seen 4-6 weeks after surgery. You may choose an appointment in the office, by telemedicine, or be telephone call.

What should I watch for in regards to concerns after surgery?

- Please call our office if you have a fever, chills, nausea/vomiting, or inability to move bowels, despite trying laxatives

What are my restrictions after abdominal surgery (colon, rectum, abdominal hernia)?

- No aerobic exercise for 2 weeks and no lifting over 25 lbs for 4 weeks

I am scheduled to have part of my colon/rectum removed and Dr. Parker mentioned an ostomy bag is a possibility.  How does that work?

- Dr. Parker advises patients that a "temporary" ostomy bag may be needed to divert stool away from the new bowel connection, especially if the connection has a higher risk for leakage, as determined by Dr. Parker. 

- If an ostomy is created, nurses will educate you on how to manage this until ostomy reversal.

How does diverticulitis work before and after surgery?

- If you choose NOT to have surgery, you have a 30-40% chance of "flare-ups".

- After surgery, if the outcome is successful, your risk for further diverticulitis is about 4%.