Life After Fistula Surgery – Dr Valeria

Simone MDBY

DR. VALERIA SIMONE MD

SOUTHLAKE GENERAL SURGERY, TEXAS

OVERVIEW

For individuals with Crohn’sdisease, fistulas are a usual andsevere complication of thisdisease. However, despite theirrecurrence, they are the leastdiscussed symptom ofinflammatory bowel disease (IBD.)

A study found that fistulasinfluence up to 50 percent ofindividuals with inflammatorybowel disease within 20 years ofdiagnosis.

It is characterized as a strange association between two segments of the body, in individualswith Crohn’s disease, fistulas can develop in many spots and that could be:

• in the vagina and rectum

• in the skin and anus

• in the digestive tract and bladder

Based on the location on your body, symptoms may vary, and keep in mind that few minorfistulas can be fixed with antibiotics, but other cases may need surgery. The surgicalprocedure is known as fistulotomy wherein the surgeon opens the fistula to allow it torecuperate appropriately.

If an individual has an oversized fistula, then the surgeon uses a seton (it is a piece of surgicalthread) to drain it. This process has a slightly longer recovery time.

Stay Calm and Keep Patience

According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD, experienced general surgeon atSouthlake General Surgery, Texas, fistulotomy or fistula surgery is a minorsurgery, but an individual should keep patience for the recuperation process.An individual may experience draining from the wound for weeks after fistulasurgery, as it will be left open for fast recuperating.

The recovery process after fistula surgery is slightly slow, however, anindividual can return to work and resume regular activities in about a week ortwo.

Keep an Emergency Medical Kit

If you’re planning to move out keep an emergency medical kit along to tackleany situation related to fistula.

An emergency medical kit will boost your confidence to plan a trip and helpyou to counter any medical issues. Emergency medical kit includes:

• medical gauze, in case you need, do dressing again

• fragrance-free water wipes

• a water spray bottle to wash the wound

• a spare pair of undergarments

If an individual is experiencing excessive drainage, it is advised to keep softorganic panty liners.

Take Sitz Baths

A sitz bath is a warm or hot water shallow bath that cleanses the perineum (aspace between the scrotum and rectum). A sitz bath help ease pain, itching,and discomfort in the genital area. An individual should take multiple baths ina day or after each bowel movement.

In case you’re traveling, or you don’t have a bath, you can take a sitz bath seatthat fits over your toilet seat. You just need to add water and sit in it.

Once you’re done with the sitz bath, gently clean the area instead of rubbing itto avoid any skin aggravation.

Signs of infection

People with fistulas are at risk of infection by the wound recuperatingexcessively fast and developing an abscess.

As early you identify these signs, it will be easy to treat them. At times, youjust only need a dose of antibiotics.

Don’t ignore if you feel burning pain or continual green pus. Consult with yourdoctor about the signs and symptoms.

Discuss Safe Sexual Intercourse

Safe sexual intercourse might last thing on your mind, but it is important todiscuss it with your doctor. However, you can resume intercourse after a fewweeks if you would like to.

An individual doesn’t need to wait till the wound completely recuperate. Youcan have intercourse with a seton too. Consult with your doctor before youplan for intercourse.

Try not to panic if you experience

irritation

If an individual felt some irritation a couple of months after the surgery, don’tpanic. Irritation is completely normal; scar tissue develops from fistulasurgery. At times, it feels itchy or somewhat sore.

In case, if an individual has multiple scar tissues, the doctor will suggest a fewgentle massages exercise to settle down the skin.

What if surgery doesn’t work for you?

Fortunately, loads of fistulas are completely fixed with surgery. But basedupon the area, they can develop again.

There are many options that an individual can choose if the surgery isn’teffective for you from the outset. Few individuals manage to live with fistulaproblems for a long time and it is feasible to keep a seton for a couple ofyears.

You can speak to your doctor about the available option if a fistula surgeryisn’t effective on the first attempt.

Daily Workout

Daily workout is essential for all individuals to maintain overall health. Based on the location of the fistula, it may get aggravated by many exercise movements and sweat. Always begin with moderate exercises and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.

Take care of your mental wellbeing

If an individual is experiencing fistula for a long time, it may disturb theirmental health. Some individual feels embarrassed talking about this problemeven discussing it with the doctor.

With time problems may get complicated and it might be difficult to treat. So,it is always advised to contact your doctor and without any hesitation discussin detail.

Appointment

For more information on Fistula – Causes, symptoms, diagnosis,treatment, surgery, and consultation. Please contact our healthcareexpert today at +1(817) 748-0200. You can also make an onlineappointment with us.

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