A fistula is an abnormal connection between the lining on the inside of your anal canal (back passage) and the skin near your anus. Most anal fistulas are caused by an abscess (a collection of pus) which has developed in your anal canal. The pus can drain away onto the skin on its own or by an operation. A fistula happens when the track made by the pus on the way to the surface of the skin stays open.

While some fistulas can be treated with antibiotics and other medication, fistula removal surgery may be necessary if the infection doesn’t respond to medication or if the fistula is severe enough to require emergency surgery. Below, we discuss the necessary precautions that one should take after fistula surgery to endure a healthy life.

Take good care of the wound

Most patients will need a dressing over the surgical incision following the surgical procedure while the wound heals. The dressing needs to be changed regularly, so it is essential that they understand how they can do this themselves at home.

To wash the wound, patients can use warm water and soft gauze pads to clean the skin, making sure to softly pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. Perfume, talcum powder and other potentially irritating products should be avoided. In some cases, the use of bland barrier cream in this area is recommended to prevent irritants from reaching the skin.

Opt for a sitz bath

A sitz bath is a shallow bath in warm or hot water that cleanses the perineum. These can help ease discomfort, and in the early stages, you might want to take several a day or after each bowel movement.

If you don’t have a bath or are travelling, you can use a sitz bath seat. This cleverly fits over your toilet seat, so you simply add the water and sit in it. Some people prefer to add Epsom salt to their sitz bath, too. After bathing, gently pat the area dry rather than rubbing it, which can aggravate the skin. Some people prefer to use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently dry the area without irritation.

Follow a strict diet

For recovery after fistula surgery, follow a strict diet, as mentioned by your surgeons. When recovering after a surgery, your lifestyle and diet become immensely important. The same goes for recovering from a fistula surgery, take proper diet and drink enough water. You can also consume fluids in the form of carrot and aloe vera juices and other healthy products.

Rest for a few days

You may need rest for a few days after your operation, but you should avoid sitting still for a long time. Also, avoid doing too much walking.

When you are resting, be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear and lie on your side when on the sofa or in bed. Pillows or cushions may help make sitting more comfortable ‐ some pharmacies sell cushions designed to relieve pressure when sitting.

Follow-up care is a crucial part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

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