Anal fistula is one of the very dangerous conditions, and if not treated promptly and correctly, it can cause severe complications and significantly impact the patient’s health. To address this issue, anal fistula surgery is the most commonly applied solution. Before deciding to undergo surgery, many patients often ask how long it takes for an anal fistula to heal after surgery.
1. How is anal fistula surgery performed?
An anal fistula is the appearance of small channels at the end of the intestines near the anus. These small tunnels develop when the anal gland becomes infected, leading to an abscess. Over time, the infection may develop and connect to the outer skin near the anus. This condition poses a risk of dangerous complications, such as blood infections, anal pus discharge, an increase in fistula openings, longer fistula tracts, or even cancer.
Before addressing the question of how long it takes for anal fistula surgery to heal, patients should understand the safety steps involved in anal fistula surgery.
Currently, the procedure for anal fistula surgery in hospitals is performed as follows:
- Step 1: The doctor examines and consults the patient's condition and determines when to perform the procedure.
- Step 2: The anus is cleaned to avoid infection during the procedure. Depending on the patient's condition, they may be given local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- Step 3: After anesthesia, the doctor will use high-frequency waves to locate the fistula. The anal fistula surgery will be carefully carried out to remove all pus and eliminate infected tissue, ensuring no damage to the anal sphincter and its ability to control bowel movements.
- Step 4: After the procedure, the area will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure sterility and prevent infection.
- Step 5: Finally, the patient is transferred to the recovery room for monitoring and given medication as prescribed by the doctor.
2. How long does it take to recover after anal fistula surgery?
The recovery time after anal fistula surgery depends on several factors:
- The severity of the condition: Patients who have a mild fistula with a simple tract that hasn't spread deeply, the surgery will be quicker, the tissue damage will be less, and recovery will be faster. In contrast, for patients with severe fistulas involving complex tracts or large, long fistulas, the surgery will be more complicated, take longer, and require a longer recovery period.
- The surgical method: Recovery time for anal fistula surgery also depends on the type of surgery chosen. Traditional methods, such as opening the fistula or tying it off, usually result in a longer recovery time because the wound is large, and the patient may experience more pain and a higher risk of recurrent infections. On the other hand, using modern techniques like HCPT (high-frequency current therapy) leads to smaller wounds, is more effective at completely curing the condition, causes less pain, and has a faster recovery time.
- The doctor’s expertise: If the surgery is performed by a highly skilled and experienced doctor, recovery is generally quicker, and complications are less likely. Conversely, if the doctor lacks experience or expertise in handling complications, recovery may take longer.
- Post-surgery care: After-surgery care significantly impacts the recovery process of anal fistula surgery . If the patient strictly follows the doctor’s instructions, takes the correct medications, maintains good nutrition, and properly cleans the anus daily, recovery will be faster. However, if post-surgery care is neglected or if the wound becomes infected, recovery will take longer.
- The patient’s health: Patients who have good overall health and strong immune defenses, recovery will be faster. However, if the patient has additional conditions, such as anal fissures or infections, their immune system may be weaker, leading to a slower recovery.
- The medical facility performing the surgery: Choosing a reputable, high-quality medical facility ensures a faster recovery as the procedure will follow strict hygiene standards, and the risk of infection and complications will be minimized. In contrast, poor-quality medical facilities increase the health risks and could delay recovery.
Generally, for simple anal fistula surgery, the patient can be discharged within 2-3 days and the wound will heal completely after 4-6 weeks with proper care. For more complicated surgeries, the hospitalization and recovery time may be longer, depending on the patient's condition and how well they follow post-surgery care instructions.
3. Post-surgery care to help the body recover quickly
To recover quickly after anal fistula surgery, the patient should pay attention to the following:
- Choose a reputable surgery center that uses advanced techniques and modern technology to ensure safety and reduce the treatment time while minimizing the risk of recurrence.
- After surgery, the patient should clean the anus properly, follow the doctor’s instructions for wound care, and take medication as prescribed.
- Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers as directed. If there is significant pain or bleeding, the patient should immediately seek medical attention for guidance and support.
- Patients should rest after surgery, avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise, swimming, or cycling. Sitting on a soft cushion and changing dressings frequently can reduce the risk of infection.
- Patients should eat soft, easily digestible foods like porridge and soup and avoid irritating foods, salty or fried dishes, and stimulants, as these can delay healing.
Attend regular follow-up appointments to check the wound and reduce the risk of complications.
The information provided above answers the question of how long it takes to recover from anal fistula surgery. If you plan to undergo surgery, make sure to choose a reputable clinic for the procedure. This will ensure the surgery is safe, the wound heals quickly, and the risk of complications is minimized.
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