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
Postoperative: What to expect
As discussed, do not expect a return of your normal energy level or full recovery until approximately 6 weeks following surgery. But, every day should be better than the day before. Walking is the best exercise you can perform in the postoperative period. Every day, walk a little longer and a little farther than prior. Remember, no heavy lifting > 15 pounds for six weeks.
Your incision does not require special care unless so discussed in the hospital. You may shower/bathe normally. Do not let your incision remain immersed for > 10 minutes. Do not swim or use a hot tub until seen for your postop visit. You may experience a yellow or salmon colored drainage from your incision; don’t be alarmed. If you notice redness around your incision, foul or creamy drainage, call the office.
Unfortunately, pain is a side effect of surgery. Continue to take your pain medications as prescribed. Over time, your pain should be getting better and better. Around 2–3 weeks following surgery you should no longer be requiring the narcotic pain pills: rather acetaminophen/Tylenol or ibuprofen/Motrin should be capable of controlling your discomfort.
You may eat whatever foods you desire, but continue to maintain a low fat, high fiber diet.
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 blood in your bowel movements. However, profuse ongoing bleeding would be uncommon.
A postoperative visit is needed approximately 2 weeks from discharge. Call the office if an appointment has NOT already been made for you.
Call the office at 208-424-0280 if you experience:
- temperature >101.5 degrees
- redness around your incision
- foul or creamy drainage from your incision
- intractable vomiting
- profuse ongoing bleeding
- painful urination or foul urine
