Post-Surgery Concerns: Skin Tags After Anal Fistula Surgery

Postoperative care after anal fistula surgery?

Hello Doctor: I underwent anal fistula surgery on July 24 of this year.
The day after the surgery, a growth that looked like a polyp appeared near the wound.
After a week, the polyp grew larger.
When I returned for a follow-up, the doctor said it was a polyp and that it would gradually go away on its own.
I would like to ask: 1.
Will the polyp really go away on its own? (Sometimes there is a small yellow pustule on the polyp, resembling a pimple that seems to disappear the next day, but the polyp remains.
However, the polyp can sometimes be red and swollen, and other times it is not as swollen.) What is going on? Could it be due to friction at the wound site? Is there any medication I can apply to help the polyp disappear? 2.
My fistula is classified as a shallow simple type, and the doctor recommended that I take sitz baths four times a day for ten minutes each time (just plain water, no iodine needed), and that I do not need to apply any medication.
Will this help the wound heal faster? 3.
Once the wound heals, will it look unsightly, or will there be a protruding polyp (since there is currently an additional polyp)? The wound has not yet healed.
Thank you, Doctor.
A helpless patient.

Xiao Ru, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/08/01

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

After fistula surgery, a recovery period of about one month is typically required.
During this month, pain, swelling, and drainage from the wound are likely unavoidable.

1.
The wound from fistula surgery cannot be sutured (to prevent recurrence), so some granulation tissue may occur.
This usually resolves once the wound has completely healed, but close monitoring is necessary during the first 1-2 months post-surgery.

2.
Warm sitz baths are essential after any anal surgery.
They help maintain cleanliness and alleviate wound pain, providing benefits without drawbacks.
I once had a patient who took a sitz bath every four hours, even getting up at night to do so, and as a result, their wound healed significantly faster than average patients.

3.
Since the wound from fistula surgery cannot be sutured, it may appear unsightly post-operatively.
However, it typically results in a wider scar, and granulation tissue is not commonly expected.
The current granulation tissue is likely due to swelling, which should resolve as the swelling subsides.

Reply Date: 2008/08/01

More Info

After undergoing anal fistula surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience concerns regarding the development of skin tags or fleshy growths around the surgical site. Your questions touch on several important aspects of post-operative care and healing, so let’s address them one by one.

1. Will the skin tag go away on its own?
Skin tags, also known as fibroepithelial polyps, can sometimes develop after surgical procedures, particularly in areas of friction or irritation. In many cases, these skin tags can resolve on their own over time, especially if they are small and not causing any discomfort. However, the presence of a yellowish pustule on the skin tag, which resembles a pimple, may indicate a minor infection or irritation. This could be due to friction from clothing or movement, particularly in the anal area where moisture and movement are common. If the skin tag is red and swollen, it may be inflamed, which can also happen if there is ongoing irritation. While some skin tags may resolve, others may persist or require treatment if they become bothersome.

2. What can be done to help the healing process?
Your doctor has recommended sitz baths, which are beneficial for promoting healing in the anal region. Sitz baths help to keep the area clean, reduce discomfort, and promote blood flow, which is essential for healing. It is generally advised to avoid applying topical medications unless prescribed by your healthcare provider, as some products may irritate the area further. If the skin tag continues to grow or becomes painful, it would be wise to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation. They may suggest treatments such as cryotherapy, cauterization, or surgical removal if necessary.

3. Will the scar be unsightly or will there be a prominent skin tag after healing?
Scarring after surgery varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the surgical technique used, individual healing responses, and post-operative care. While some patients may develop prominent scars or skin tags, others may heal with minimal visible signs. It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions, including any recommendations for scar management, such as silicone gel sheets or pressure dressings, if applicable. Keeping the area clean and avoiding irritation will also help minimize scarring.

In summary, while skin tags can develop after anal fistula surgery, many will resolve on their own. The presence of pustules or inflammation may require monitoring and possibly intervention if they persist. Adhering to your doctor’s recommendations for sitz baths and avoiding unnecessary topical treatments will support your healing process. If you have ongoing concerns about the appearance of the surgical site or the skin tag, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options. Remember, healing takes time, and it’s important to be patient with your body as it recovers.

Similar Q&A

Managing Post-Surgery Itching After Fistula and Hemorrhoid Surgery

Hello, doctor. I had a fistula and hemorrhoid surgery in January this year. The recovery has been fine, but I have been experiencing persistent anal itching, sometimes so severe that it wakes me up at night. Are there any topical treatments available, or do I need to see a doctor...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Anal itching may be caused by excessive wiping. Applying topical hemorrhoid ointment should help alleviate the symptoms. In addition to medication, there are three important considerations: 1. Do not scratch to avoid causing an infection in the wound. 2. Temporarily avoid spicy f...

Post-Surgery Concerns After Anal Fistula Procedure: Your Questions Answered

Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you multiple times. I underwent a fistula micro-surgery in January, and it has been about four months since then. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I still experience some pain at the surgical site after prolonged sitting. I...

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
1. The size of the surgical wound for a fistula may take several months to heal completely. A qualified colorectal surgeon's assessment of the fistula's condition is generally reliable. If a more skilled surgeon believes the surgery has failed, it is advisable to consul...

Post-Surgery Issues After Fistula Surgery: Pain, Itching, and Concerns

Dear Dr. Ke, 1. I underwent surgery to excise two anal fistulas in December 2019. About two months post-surgery, I no longer had any discharge, but I have been experiencing slight pain and itching at the anal area, especially after bowel movements. Occasionally, I feel a prickli...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
1. If the fistula surgery was performed more than a year ago, then this phenomenon could either be a recurrence or damage to the sphincter muscle. To determine the exact cause, a further examination by a physician is necessary. 2. It is possible, but it could also simply be fol...

Post-Anal Fistula Surgery: Common Concerns and Recovery Tips

1. Doctor, I had surgery for an anal fistula and internal hemorrhoids on November 15, and now, 12 days later, I sometimes notice blood dripping during bowel movements and experience some stinging pain. There is also a bit of yellow discharge when I remove the gauze. Is this norma...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
1. The wound after anal surgery typically takes about a month to fully heal. During this time, mild bleeding and discharge are normal occurrences. 2. As long as the wound has not completely healed, warm sitz baths can be beneficial. It is important to be cautious not to add too...