Anorectal Abscess Surgery: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

You had anorectal abscess surgery. This surgery drains a pocket of pus that has built up in the anal or rectal area.

Most of the pain that was caused by your abscess will probably go away right after surgery. But you may have some mild pain in your anal area from the incision for several days after the surgery. Most people can go back to work or their normal routine 1 or 2 days after surgery. It will probably take several weeks or longer for the abscess to completely heal.

Most people get better without any problems. But sometimes a tunnel can form between the old abscess and the outside of the body. This is called a fistula. Your doctor will check for this about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. If you develop a fistula, the doctor will do surgery to repair the fistula.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be as active as you can. It can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Most people are able to return to work 1 or 2 days after surgery.
• Shower as usual. Let water run over the abscess area. This will help the abscess heal. Pat your anal area dry with a towel when you are done.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• Include high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, in your diet each day.
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Your doctor may suggest a fiber supplement, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

Incision care

• If your doctor put gauze in your abscess during surgery, follow their instructions about when to remove it.
• Wash your anal area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
• After a bowel movement, use a baby wipe, take a shower, or sit in a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) to gently clean the anal area.

Other instructions

• Place a sanitary pad or gauze in your underwear to absorb drainage from your abscess while it heals.
• Sit in a sitz bath for 15 to 20 minutes 3 times a day. Do this as long as you have pain in your anal area.
• Support your feet with a small step stool when you sit on the toilet. This helps flex your hips and places your pelvis in a squatting position. This can make bowel movements easier after surgery.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You are short of breath.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have nausea or vomiting and cannot keep down fluids.
• You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over the abscess area.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.
• You cannot pass stools or gas.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.

Watch closely for any changes in your health and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.