POST-OP OUTPATIENT
INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions will help you have one or two soft stools daily. Individual responses will vary, and you may need to adjust the amounts of fiber, stool softeners, or laxatives. A small amount of bleeding and swelling is common. Call if you experience bleeding which you consider excessive or if you develop a fever, difficulty urinating or worsening pain/swelling, especially after the first 36-48 hours. These symptoms could be signs of an infection.
Normal Diet and resume all your pre-op medications.
No Aspirin for 1 week. If you take blood thinners such as Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin, or Pradaxa, check with your surgeon when to begin them.
Your activities are not restricted, except for no driving a car the day of surgery or if using prescription pain medication.
Take Miralax 1 capful in an 8 oz beverage daily to keep the stools soft. The amount of Miralax can be reduced if your are having frequent stools. If no Bowel Movement by bedtime, take Milk of Magnesia 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls.
You may take:
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin OTC) 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours if pain is not too severe.
- Dilaudid (2 mg) one tablet every four hours as needed for severe pain. Dilaudid will be constipating. You may stagger the dosing of Tylenol, Advil/Motrin, and Dilaudid for more effective pain relief.
- Valium (5mg) 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for rectal pain/spasms.
Warm TUB baths: 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes, after a BM, and as needed for pain relief. No Soap: Do not use soap on the anal skin.
Recticare cream or A&D Ointment: Apply to the anal area before a BM, after baths and as needed.
Baby Wipes: To clean the anal area after a BM and as needed.
DRESSING: If uncomfortable, you may remove the dressing in the evening of surgery to begin warm tub baths. Otherwise, remove the dressing in the morning, and then apply a small strip of cotton or absorbent gauze INTO THE BASE OF THE WOUND at the anal opening. Change 2 or 3 times daily and as needed to keep dry.
FOLLOW UP: Notes the date for your after surgery appointment. Your postoperative course and pathology report will be reviewed. All questions will be answered, and continued care instructions given. Any outstanding balances will be collected at that time.