Fistula Surgery Recovery: Post-Operative Care & Healing

An anal fistula is a colorectal condition in which a small tissue connection is created between the anal glands and the skin of the buttocks. This connection acts as a tunnel, allowing for leakage of internal excretions and possible formation of a pus-filled abscess. This unpleasant condition can cause constant pain, swelling, and irritation near the anus. Surgery can correct these symptoms, requiring certain post-op procedures.

Surgery

• Fistula removal surgery is fairly quick and simple. First, your colorectal surgeon will snip the tissue connection. He will then connect the two ends of the tunnel to themselves, creating a small flap of circular tissue that will heal itself and be absorbed by surrounding tissue.

Post-op Medication

• You may feel discomfort or dull pain for a week following surgery; ask your doctor for mild pain medication to alleviate these symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe stool softeners to ease bowel movements for a few days. This can help avoid painful defecation as the sphincter area heals from the surgery.

Post-op Procedures

• For about a week after surgery, soak the affected area three to four times a day in a warm bath. This can be a normal bath or a sitz bath. A sitz bath is specifically intended for recovery from this kind of procedure. Simply sit in a small tub of warm water for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the water to cover your hips entirely. Slight drainage may continue to occur for a few days after surgery; wear a small pad of gauze under the affected area to avoid damaging your clothes.