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ANORECTAL
COLONOSCOPY
ABDOMINAL SURGERY
INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING ANORECTAL OPERATION
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DIET
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Resume your normal diet. We encourage you to have some roughage with each meal. Avoid hot/spicy
foods and beer and wine, as these may cause irritation about the anus. We caution you not to drink alcohol while taking pain medications.
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SITZ BATHS
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Begin sitz baths the day of surgery - three times daily and after each bowel movement (5-15 minutes
of bath water temperature). You may use the tub if the sitz bath itself is uncomfortable. More frequent usage is encouraged if anal discomfort warrants. Make only normal efforts to pass a stool. There may be false urges to defecate after meals, just walk away if nothing happens - the sitz bath is useful if you have these sensations and can help also if you have difficulty urinating. If you cannot urinate and feel uncomfortable, call the office.
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DRESSING
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Remove the outer dressing tonight. If there is a dressing inside the anus leave it in place. If this
dressing is extruding the day after surgery, then it my be removed with a slight “tug”, but if it is resistant then leave it in place as it will dissolve or fall out in the sitz bath.
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PERSONAL HYGIENE
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You may use toilet tissue as soon as tolerated. Baby wipes are a soft alternative.
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MEDICATIONS
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Take 2 Bisacodyl (laxative) tablets at bedtime - as you were directed
Konsyl, or other powders (Citrucel, Metamucil) are bulk laxatives, which increase the volume of stool through colon water retention, and may be started the day after surgery. However, they are effective only if you eat roughage supplied by a proper diet of bran, fruit, vegetables, etc. Konsyl, Metamucil, Citrucel or similar supplements are best taken after a meal. If you are not getting the desired effect, then more attention should be directed towards your intake of fiber. Increasing the dose of Konsyl, Citrucel, or Metamucil beyond one or two teaspoons daily is usually ineffective and will produce a gassy/bloated feeling. If you judge your stool to be too loose or are having more than two bowel movements per day, then cut back on the dose or stop it completely. If you have not had a bowel movement after the third day following surgery, take a Fleet enema or call the office. Pain pills may be taken - one or two every 3-4 hours. These pills are narcotics and there may be a tendency to have dizziness or nausea. There are alternative medications if nausea persists.
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GENERAL
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Anorectal operations may vary with one, two, three, or more “rows” of stitches, or none at all.
The doctor will discuss this with you. If you have stitches they will dissolve. In order for the stitches to dissolve, the tissues about the anus will create an inflammatory reaction, therefore, do not be alarmed by some soreness, bleeding, discharge, or false urges to defecate. Bleeding with the passage of stool is possible up to several weeks following surgery. If the bleeding is heavy and does not stop in a few minutes with gentle pressure (like when you cut yourself shaving), call us immediately. Do not be alarmed by swelling about the anus. These are not hemorrhoids, but simply a swelling due to the stitches. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are to be avoided for at least three weeks. You may drive when comfortable.
Going up and down stairs should be limited if it causes discomfort.
See below for the date and time of your next appointment. Please call the office if you need to change the appointment. We will answer questions that may arise regarding work, sexual relations, diet, and physical activities. Insurance forms and work release can be handled at the office.
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Call the office at 610-433-7571 if you have any questions or problems during your convalescence.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLONOSCOPY
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When Leaving the Hospital:
- Go Straight Home and Rest Today
- No Driving or Drinking Alcohol for 24 Hours
- Resume Regular Diet and Medications Unless Otherwise Instructed. Aspirin or
Other Medications Such as Coumadin and Plavix are Blood Thinners. You May Resume These Medications________________.
- If You Are Having any Fever, Bleeding, or Persistent Pain in the Abdomen,
Please Call our Office. 610-433-7571
- If You Have Any Questions or Concerns About Your Examination, Please Call
Our Office. You Will Receive a Call From Our Office the Next Working Day After Your Examination.
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POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY
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Your activity may include:
- Going up and down stairs only
- Walking around inside the house or outside if the weather is permissible
- Light housework in 6 weeks
- You may drive a car in 3 weeks from surgery
- No heavy lifting for 3 months
At your first visit we will discuss return to work and return to sports and exercise.
Incision: You may allow the bath water or shower to flow over your incision. You may wash the incision gently with soap and water. It is common to feel pulling or sharp sticking sensations in the area of the incisions as they are healing. These sensations are a result of normal healing. If you develop any fever associated with redness or swelling of the incision, please call our office. Nausea or vomiting associated with meals or your medication should be reported to the office.
You may resume your normal medications.
If You Have Any Questions or Concerns, Please Call
Our Office 610-433-7571
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 Post-Op
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