Post-operative Instructions for Minimally Invasive Fistula Surgery: Glue/Plug Procedures

Post-operative care

• Follow a liquid diet for 72 hours.
• After 72 hours slowly reintroduce solid foods. 
• If you are prone to constipation, take a 100 mg docusate tablet (OTC) with each meal.
• Call your physician if you feel you are becoming constipated.
• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the surgical site.
• Limit NSAID use (motrin /advil, naprosyn /aleve, etc.).
• Some drainage from the external wound is expected.
• Call your physician if fever/chills, rectal bleeding, heavy drainage, swelling or increasing pain occurs. 

To provide the best environment for tissue integration into the anal fistula plug and/or glue, patient activity should be minimized. The following patient guidelines are strongly recommended:   

• No strenuous activity for two weeks
• No lifting items over 10 lbs (5 kg) for two weeks
• No exercise beyond a gentle walk for two weeks
• Abstinence from sexual intercourse and other forms of vaginal/rectal insertion (i.e. tampons) for at least two weeks
• Shower standing up and bathe the area with water to soothe and keep it clean.

Call Colorectal Physicians & Surgeons of Pennsylvania with any questions or concerns at 814-453-2777.