The Ferguson Clinic

Anorectal Discharge Instructions

Wound Care
• Apply an ice bag to the affected area (20 minutes on 40 minutes
off) each hour. This should be continued for the first 12 hours.
• You may begin 20 minute sitz/tub baths in warm to hot water the
a.m. following your procedure (repeat twice daily). This may be
continued for 5-7days.
• The gauze bandage may be removed the evening of the procedure.
If you had an abscess drained, remove the gauze in the wound in the
a.m. following your procedure. Apply gauze as needed to the wound for
drainage.
• You may notice some drainage from your wound and possibly some
bright red blood, this is to be expected. If there is significant bleeding
from the skin edges, apply pressure for 10 minutes with a washcloth.
If there is continued bleeding call your surgeon.
Pain Management
• Begin the prescription pain medication before the pain begins, within
one hour after the procedure. Most of the pain is muscle spasm and
the pain cycle must not be allowed to start.
• The ice bag and sitz/tub bath are important parts of the pain
management.
Bowel Function
• Remember, narcotic pain medications cause constipation.
• It is essential that you eat a high fiber diet and supplement with a
powdered bulk laxative such as Metamucil (1-tbsp in 8 oz. water 2
times daily) or Konsyl (1-tsp in 8oz. water 2 times daily). This is to
prevent you from being constipated.
• Drink lots of water.
• If you do become constipated, take one or two tablespoons of Milk of
Magnesia at bedtime. If this is unsuccessful please contact our office
for further instructions.
• Hemorrhoidectomy patients should start taking Milk of Magnesia the
evening of surgery and daily until having regular bowel movements.
Activity
• Do not do any heavy lifting for 5-7 days after a hemorrhoidectomy and
for 1-2 days after a sphincterotomy for anal fissure.
• You may resume your normal daily activities tomorrow.
Follow up Care
Follow-up with your surgeon in 4-6 weeks.
Please call to make this appointment one to two days after your
surgery at:
616-356-4100 or 800-456-0290