An Essential Guide to Anal Fistula Surgery Recovery
Do you have an anal fistula? If so, there is probably a surgical treatment in your future. Your doctor might recommend a minimally invasive procedure or a major surgery.
Whatever type of treatment you're facing, check out this guide to anal fistula surgery recovery, so you'll know what to expect after your procedure is over.
Essential Treatment for Anal Fistulas
If you have an anal fistula, one probable option: undergo surgery. Surgical treatment is the primary way to get rid of a fistula tract and set you on the road to healing.
Your body can't typically heal this condition on its own. Rarely do they resolve on their own. If you don't have surgery, the fistula-in-ano can continue to cause you problems, including pain, irritation and discharge.
Recovery Time for Fistula Procedures
Although fistulas typically require surgical treatment, not all fistulas require the same type of surgery. Some cases are much more complex than others because they can be long, curved, with abscess pockets or involve multiple tracts. Your doctor will analyze your case to decide the best treatment option for you.
Your anal fistula surgery recovery will depend on the procedure that is used. In the video below, a doctor explains that a simple fistula surgery can involve a faster recovery time than a complex one.
Seton
Before undergoing major fistula surgery, your doctor may choose to place a seton. This is a string like loop that runs through the fistula tract to help widen and drain it before performing a complex procedure. It may be in place for six weeks or longer. You can see seton examples in the video below.
Your doctor may instruct you to pull on the seton daily. This can ensure that the fistula continues to drain.
Fistulotomy
In a fistulotomy, the fistula tract is cut open. This results in an open wound that can take multiple weeks to heal. In one study, patients' incision sites took three to six weeks to get better.
Fistulotomies are usually performed as outpatient procedures, but they do require recovery time at home. You will probably need to take at least one week off before resuming normal activities, including going to work. Some people need to take it easy for two weeks.
After the surgery, you will probably need to take pain medication for a couple of days. You may also need to apply gauze or soak the wound in a basin of warm water.
Although fistulotomies can provide healing, they are not without side effects. In addition to the risk of infection, there is also a chance of developing fecal incontinence if the surgery affects the anal sphincter. Various studies have shown post-operative incontinence in anywhere from 18 to 52 percent of patients.
Fistulectomy
Major surgery to remove the entire fistula tract is called fistulectomy. Because the affected tissue is entirely cut out of the body, recovery can be difficult.
Fistulectomy surgery does not usually require an overnight hospital stay. After a fistulectomy, you should expect a recovery period at home of about four to six weeks. In some cases, it may take up to nine weeks for the wound to fully heal.
You may need pain medication for several days. The treated area may be swollen for a while, and there may be discharge present.
During the recovery period, you must tend to the wound frequently. Your doctor may advise you to soak the area in water multiple times a day. To ensure cleanliness, it is important to change the gauze dressing on a regular basis.
Fistulectomy can have significant side effects. The wound may become infected, and there's always a chance that the fistula will come back.
Because fistulectomy may damage the anal sphincter, there's a chance of postoperative incontinence. In one study, 20 percent of patients developed fecal incontinence after the procedure.
Plugs or Glues
Sometimes, a doctor may use a filling procedure to seal off the fistula tract. The recovery period can differ depending which type of seal you receive, but these treatments usually involve easier recoveries than major surgeries.
You may be able to return to work and daily activities soon after the procedure. However, it is important to avoid heavy lifting or rigorous exercise for a few weeks.
After being plugged, a fistula may still drain. This leakage can last for around three months.
Although recovery is mild, fistula plugs carry a high risk of failure.
Laser Treatment
Your doctor may use a laser to shrink and seal your fistula tract with minimal surgery. Therefore, the recovery time may be shorter compared to some other fistula procedures.
After receiving laser treatment, you may notice some pain or bleeding for a few days. During the first week, patients usually report pain levels that range from mild to moderate.
This minimally invasive procedure offers more promising results than glues and plugs. In one study, 71.4 percent of patients found success with the procedure. None of them developed incontinence afterward.
What to Do After Surgery
No matter what treatment you undergo, it is important to take care of yourself afterward. Rest when you need to, and don't go back to work until your body is ready.
Having a bowel movement after surgery can be unpleasant, but it's important to avoid constipation. Try putting your feet on a stool when using the toilet. Drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods, and take a stool softener. Follow your doctor’s orders.
A bit of bleeding in the bathroom is normal after surgery. After a bowel movement, you may want to use a wet wipe or water instead of toilet paper. If fluid drains from your surgical site during the day, you can place a pad in your underwear to absorb it.
Follow your doctor's instructions for wound care and pain management. You may be instructed to take sitz baths, sit on ice packs, or prop your hips up to reduce swelling. Always contact your doctor if you are worried about the severity of your symptoms.
Fistula-in-ano can be treated with minimally invasive procedures or major surgeries. Fistulotomies and fistulectomies have high success rates but long recoveries with the potential for serious side effects. Plugs and glues are easy procedures but may not offer lasting results.
Laser procedures may offer both milder recoveries and promising success rates. Contact us to learn more about laser treatment for anal fistulas.
