Post-Surgery Concerns: Persistent Discharge After Anal Canal Surgery

Q: Post-Surgery Concerns: Persistent Discharge After Anal Canal Surgery

Hello： In response to your question, the wound from anal fistula surgery typically takes about one month to heal completely, and the scar tissue should soften within three months, at which point you should no longer feel any hard tissue. <br>However, a small percentage of patient

Post-operative discharge after anal and rectal surgery?

Hello Doctor, I underwent an anal fistula and drainage tube removal surgery at Taitung Hospital on March 27, 2013.
The doctor opted for a non-sutured natural healing method, so I followed the doctor's instructions to wash the wound regularly and return for check-ups for a month after the surgery.
By the third week post-operation, the doctor informed me that I no longer needed to return for follow-ups.
I resumed work in May, but I continued to wash the wound diligently every morning and evening.
However, now it is July 12, 2013, and I still occasionally notice yellow discharge from the wound, and sometimes a little bit of blood seeps out.
Typically, before these symptoms occur, I experience a tearing, sharp pain and a slight feeling of swelling, mostly after bowel movements or during busy work periods.
I would like to know if this is normal.
Since two months post-surgery, I have frequently returned for check-ups to ensure that my recovery is within normal limits, but the doctors have consistently reassured me that everything is normal.
Now that it has been almost four months since the surgery, should I continue to observe for a few more months, or would it be better to return for another check-up? I am worried about bothering the doctor, but I am also very concerned...
I really do not want to undergo another surgery.

Additionally, my job involves making herbal tea, which requires lifting heavy objects (tea barrels weighing nearly 20 kilograms).
Could this be affecting my healing? The outer part of the wound seems to have healed quite well, but when I press on the area, I can feel a hard lump underneath.
Is this normal? Is there anyone who has experienced yellow discharge for six months or even a year post-surgery? (The yellow discharge resembles pus, but the doctor told me it is just wound secretion.) I apologize for the lengthy message, and I appreciate your patience in reading it.
Please help me with your answers.
This has been troubling me for a long time.

Xiao Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/07/12

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Hello: In response to your question, the wound from anal fistula surgery typically takes about one month to heal completely, and the scar tissue should soften within three months, at which point you should no longer feel any hard tissue.
However, a small percentage of patients may experience a recurrence after surgery.
Based on your description, it is very likely that the fistula has recurred.
I recommend that you return to your physician for an evaluation to confirm this.
According to textbook recommendations, a repeat surgery is advised, although some patients choose to manage symptoms with oral antibiotics, and the decision for a second surgery can be made based on the subsequent situation.
Lifting heavy objects should not affect wound healing, but it is generally advised to avoid it temporarily after surgery.

Reply Date: 2013/07/12

More Info

Post-surgery concerns, especially after anal canal surgery, can be quite distressing. It’s understandable that you are worried about the persistent discharge and discomfort you are experiencing. Let’s break down your concerns and provide some insights based on medical knowledge.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that after any surgical procedure, especially one involving the anal canal, some degree of discharge is common. The body goes through a healing process, and during this time, it can produce various types of discharge as part of the natural healing process. In your case, the yellow discharge you describe could be a combination of normal healing secretions and possibly some inflammation. However, the presence of blood, especially if it occurs frequently or in significant amounts, should always be taken seriously.

You mentioned that you experience a tearing pain and a feeling of pressure before the discharge occurs, particularly after bowel movements or during busy work periods. This could indicate that the area is still sensitive and may not have fully healed. The fact that you have been advised by your doctor that this is normal is reassuring, but it’s also essential to listen to your body. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it may warrant further investigation.

Regarding your work, lifting heavy objects can indeed impact the healing process. Straining during heavy lifting or even during bowel movements can put additional pressure on the surgical site, potentially leading to discomfort or even reopening of the wound. It’s advisable to be cautious with heavy lifting and to consider modifying your activities to allow for better healing.

As for the hard area you feel beneath the skin, this could be scar tissue or a localized area of inflammation. Scar tissue can sometimes feel firm or hard, and while it is a normal part of the healing process, if it becomes painful or grows in size, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

In terms of the duration of discharge, while some individuals may experience discharge for several months post-surgery, it is crucial to monitor the characteristics of the discharge. If it changes in color, consistency, or if you develop a fever or increased pain, these could be signs of infection or other complications that require medical attention.

Given that it has been several months since your surgery, and you are still experiencing these symptoms, it would be prudent to schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough examination to ensure that there are no underlying issues, such as an infection or improper healing. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to surgical recovery.

In summary, while some discharge and discomfort can be normal after anal canal surgery, persistent symptoms warrant further evaluation. Be mindful of your activities, especially heavy lifting, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for peace of mind and to ensure proper healing. Your health and comfort should always come first, and it’s essential to advocate for yourself during your recovery process.

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