Other common fistulas include urinary tract fistulas, gastrointestinal fistulas, and aortoenteric fistulas.

What Does the Treatment of Fistula Entail?

Some fistulas may heal with the help of medications and antibiotics. However, if the condition is severe, the doctor may recommend a surgical approach to treat the problem. Some cases may require emergency surgery to avoid complications. The most common options for surgery include seton surgery and fistulotomy.

Fistulotomy involves cutting the fistula along its whole length so that it heals into a flat scar. It is the most common and effective treatment for the condition. On the other hand, seton surgery involves placing a piece of surgical thread inside the fistula. It helps in draining the infection, allowing the fistula to heal.

Other treatment options for this condition include ligation of inter sphincteric fistula tract procedure, endoscopic ablation, advancement flap procedure, anal fistula plug, and medical glue.

Recovery and Aftercare of Fistula Surgery

After the surgery, you will be monitored for the next 24 hours to check if there are any complications or not. You will be allowed to move around, eat, and drink once the effects of anesthesia have worn out.

Fistula surgery is not a very complex procedure. However, like other surgeries, it does demand some extra care for quick recovery. The time of recovery from fistula surgery depends on the type of procedure you have undergone and its complexity. In the best practice, you must leave it to your surgical team to give you tailored advice about recovery. In most cases, the wound heals within six weeks. The doctor may give you some homecare tips to take care of the wound and manage pain.

Surgical Dressing

You will leave the hospital with a surgical dressing on the wound. The doctor will advise you to change the dressing regularly so you don’t catch the infection. In most cases, you may have to change the dressing daily in the bath. Follow the instructions of the doctor.

Visits to the Hospital

In some cases, you may be required to visit the hospital or general practitioner to get the wound checked or dressing changed for you. The doctor may also ask you to digitate the wound. It involves moving a finger along the wound to prevent the top layer of the skin from healing too quickly. It can help prevent fistula from coming back.

There will be some bleeding or discharge from the wound for a few weeks. The doctor will advise you to use a sanitary towel to stop the discharge from spreading. If you experience heavy bleeding or discharge or have increased pain, redness, or swelling, talk to your doctor. Do not wear tight clothing or tight undergarments during your recovery period.

Maintain Essential Hygiene Practices

Maintaining essential hygiene practices is essential while taking care of fistula. Inadequate hygiene will only increase the chances of infection for you. It may also allow fistula to recur or increase complications.

The doctor will advise you to use warm water and cotton to clean the area. Do not use any perfumed products or talcum powder to keep the area dry. Pat the skin with a dry and clean towel after wiping. Drying the wound is very important for quick healing, as moisture around the wound may lead to infection.

Clean the area of the wound after using the washroom. Do it with the help of a clean towel, and avoid using the same towel repeatedly. The doctor will also advise you to have a warm bath daily. All small hygiene habits will help you in the long way of fistula recovery.

Other Tips:

• Do not engage in sexual intercourse or do not insert anything into the rectum or vagina until the doctor says it is safe to do so.

• Do not miss your follow-up appointments with the doctor, as it will help you to check recovery after fistula.

• Drink plenty of water to lower the risk of constipation. It will make the bowel movement softer.

• Consume high-fiber foods or prefer taking a stool softener to avoid constipation, as hard stools may intrude healing of the anal fistula.

• Give your body enough rest and get enough sleep to recover smoothly,

• Do not work out rigorously at the gym in the first few weeks of the surgery. You can opt for walking to keep your body active and moving.

Takeaway

Recovery after fistula surgery becomes quick and smooth when you take the following precautions seriously. Follow these practices regularly to get back to your normal routine post-fistula surgery.