Outpatient Anorectal Surgery
Preoperative: Preparation
The only special preparation needed prior to having outpatient anorectal surgery is rectal cleansing (if you are undergoing surgery for an anal fissure, you may disregard this). A special diet is not necessary. Rectal cleansing is best accomplished with a Fleets enema—two are needed. Start 1–2 hours prior to the procedure/surgery. Hold each for 3–5 minutes prior to evacuation.
Remember, nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to surgery (or as instructed by Anesthesia). You may however take your medications with a sip of water.
Postoperative: What to expect
Local anesthesia has been used to block sensation in the anorectal region and may last up to 4 hours after surgery. You may experience some degree of pain following surgery. Remember to take your prescription pain medication on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hours, then as needed.
You may receive comfort by sitting in a warm bath for 10 minutes, 3–4 times daily. A bath or shower is also helpful to assist with hygiene following a bowel movement.
DO NOT BECOME CONSTIPATED!
Resume your daily fiber regimen and continue to drink plenty of fluids. Take the stool softener if so directed. If you have not had a bowel movement within two days following surgery, take 2 tablespoons Milk of Magnesia. If no result in 6 hours, take 1 tablespoon MOM every 6 hours until a bowel movement is achieved.
You may experience some minor fecal incontinence postoperatively, primarily to gas. This may occur up to 4–6 weeks following hemorrhoidectomy.
You may experience bleeding during defecation. However, profuse ongoing bleeding would be uncommon.
Call the office at 208-424-0280 if you experience:
- temperature >101.5 degrees
- profuse ongoing bleeding
- inability to urinate
