People suffering from anal abscesses often experience a side effect which is known as anal fistula. This is basically an abnormal passageway between the outside skin and the inside of the anus. If your anal glands are infected then the abnormal drainage from the perianal abscess can increase your chances of developing an anal fistula. This condition is more common among men and can lead to the development of various symptoms such as fluid drainage, swelling, anal pain, pain during urination, and rectal bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms then it is vital to contact a doctor and undergo fistula surgery in Siliguri.
You must note that anal fistula never heals on its own and immediate surgery is required to cure it. If not treated at the right time, it can lead to fistula extension, persistent infection, and even anal cancer. The recovery after a Fistulectomy can depend upon the complexity and procedure but in most cases, people get back to their normal life in just 6 weeks. However, during this healing people, you can be at higher risk of developing infections that may increase the recovery period. This is why it is vital to take the mentioned post-surgery instructions so that a successful recovery can be obtained with reduced risks of fistula recurrence.
When Surgery Is Recommended For Fistula?
In some cases, doctors may recommend medications to treat the anal fistula. However, if you don’t respond positively towards the medications then the doctor may decide to perform a surgery. You must know that surgery is also recommended when the fistula is in a severe stage with a large amount of sphincter muscles that need to be removed surgically.
Fistulotomy is the most common treatment for fistula but in some complex cases, the doctor may also undertake advancement flap procedures, Seton techniques, laser surgery, or LIFT procedures to manage your condition. The complexity, stage of the fistula and underlying health needs are always analysed before performing the surgery.
Effective Post-Surgery Care Instructions To Follow After Fistula Surgery
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Follow wound care directions
The first and foremost thing that you must take to avoid infections after fistula surgery is to take proper care of the wounds. Herein, you must regularly clean the surgical wounds and try to keep them dry. After getting discharged from the hospital, don’t keep the wounds covered with bandages and clothing. Remember that it is also advised to not wash the surgical sites for almost 48 hours after the surgery.
- Take proper rest
It is vital for you to take sufficient rest after the fistula surgery. The doctor always recommends taking rest for at least 4-6 weeks after the surgery which indicates that during this timeframe you shouldn’t do any strenuous activities. You must know that taking rest doesn’t mean complete bed rest since it is always encouraged that you indulge in slow walking indoors.
- Do regular dressing
After the surgery, the doctor will do dressing at the surgical site for proper healing. Herein, you must communicate with the doctor properly to learn about the dressing routine. It is vital to visit one of the best doctors for fistula surgery in Siliguri to change the dressing regularly. If the dressing gets wet before the due date then also you must consider consulting the doctor immediately.
- Don’t miss follow-up appointments
To avoid the risks of infection after fistula surgery, you also shouldn’t miss the follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Herein, the main role of these appointments is to check your healing progress and determine the signs of infection. This is a helpful step for early identification and intervention of any underlying conditions associated with the surgery. If any change in course of action is required then the doctor can advise you during the appointment.
- Avoid straining
It is quite common to suffer from constipation after fistula surgery. However, if you continuously strain during bowel movements then it can cause small tears in the anus lining which can increase the risks of developing an infection. This is why it is vital to avoid straining as much as possible after the surgery. Herein, you can consider eating a fiber-rich diet and drinking a sufficient amount of water to prevent the complications of constipation.
- Maintain hygiene standards
Hygiene after the surgery is another factor that can save you from infections. To maintain proper hygiene standards, you must follow the instructions of the doctor and keep the surgical site clean. Herein, you can gently cleanse the wound with mild soap and warm water to wipe off all the bacteria and dirt from the surface. After cleansing, don’t forget to dry the site to stop the spread of any infection.
- Stay active
To ensure your overall well-being and reduce the risks of infection, it is always recommended to stay physically active. The doctors may advise you to take rest after the surgery but you must also indulge in light to moderate physical activity. This will help you to maintain proper blood circulation throughout the body. Before returning to your normal exercise regimen, always consider contacting the doctor.
- Eat a healthy diet
Your diet plays a major role while you’re healing from the fistula surgery. If you’re following a diet recommended by the healthcare professional then it will reduce your likelihood of developing infections and promote healing. During the recovery stage, you must eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other sources of fiber. It is also advised to avoid heavy milk products as these are hard to digest. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
- Always be aware of infection symptoms
Even if you develop infections after a fistula surgery, early intervention can help you overcome the symptoms. However, for timely treatment, it is vital to always stay aware of the signs of infection. Some such signs that you must always look for are burning pain, hotness, and continual discharge of green pus. If these signs are ignored then your condition can become unmanageable while leading to the chances of developing abscesses.
- Don’t sit for long hours
Another step to avoid infections after fistula surgery is to prevent sitting for long hours. You must always remember that prolonged hours of sitting can restrict blood flow in the surgical site which may slow down the healing process and cause infection. Herein, you can also consider buying a donut or ring pillow to prevent direct pressure in the surgical site while sitting.
- Try sitz baths
To promote healing and reduce the chances of infection, you can try sitz baths after fistula surgery. You can enjoy the benefits of a sitz bath by taking a bucket of warm water and then soaking your anal area in it. This is an extremely beneficial process that you can try around 3-4 times a month which can also reduce inflammation.
- Take the prescribed medications
The doctor will prescribe you medications after the fistula surgery to promote healing. You must take these medications as per the recommended dosage and timing to ensure recovery and avoid infections. There are various antibiotics that the doctor might advise which not only treat but also prevent infections.
Following the above-mentioned steps after undergoing fistula surgery in Siliguri will help you ensure proper post-operative recovery. Don’t panic if you notice any irritation or abnormal symptoms and visit the doctor immediately to get the best treatment.
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