Surgical Services

*Be sure to read your discharge papers for more detailed information!


NUTRITION:

• Return to normal preoperative diet.
• IMPORTANT to have high fiber diet to include whole grain cereals with bran, whole wheat, fresh fruits and vegetables.  
• Include adequate protein of lean meats and low-fat milk, or soy milk.
• Avoid greasy, fatty food, refined flour and excessive sugar, including high sugar beverages (i.e. kool-aid, sweet tea)
• If you have problems adjusting to a high fiber diet, you may substitute bulk laxatives, such as Metamucil, or unprocessed bran.
• Drink plenty of water (64 oz daily). 
• Avoid caffeine.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Do not force yourself.  Stop eating when full. “Fullness” with meals is normal.  
• Frequent smaller meals or snacks may be needed for a happy colon to adjust!

MEDICATION:

• Resume any regular medications unless otherwise directed. 
• If needed, a prescription for pain can be provided based on surgeon discretion. 

ACTIVITY:

• Proper activity promotes healing, return of muscle tone and less pain with movement.
• Light activity is recommended!  Walk indoor/outdoor as tolerable yet as much as possible.  Try 5 minute walks 3 to 4 times per day until you progress.
• Take frequent rest periods between light household chores or light yard work to avoid over-use, which can cause injury.  
• May go up and down stairs
• Fatigue and tiring easily are normal following surgery.
• Avoid driving, if possible, for about 2 weeks.
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity that may cause straining up to 4 to 6 weeks unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
• The doctor will discuss return to work and/or school dates at your post-op follow-up appointment.
• Call the office for follow-up appointment as instructed.

WOUND CARE: 

• Apply light gauze dressing if desired, or if drainage is present.
• AVOID swimming, soaking in the bathtub or hot tub...breading grounds for infection/germs to your incision site(s).
• Showering, or sponge bathe, using soap and water is safe and sufficient. 
• Wash in the direction of the incision and dry well.
• Apply a light gauze dressing if desired for comfort or if drainage is present.
• Gentle, frequent massage of the operative area will help the healing and decrease scar formation.
• Do not wear pants that are fitting and/or rub the incision site to avoid redness, swelling & irritation to the incisions. Sweatpants and pajama pants will be more comfortable. 

EXPECTATIONS OF SURGERY:

• 4-6 weeks is generally required for healing.
• Mild to moderate pain is expected and can be controlled by oral pain medicine prescribed by your surgeon.
• Minimal swelling and redness.
• Minimal or no drainage, unless a drain was used, then expect minimal to moderate drainage.
• Muscle spasms in the rectal area may be experienced between bowel movements.

CALL SURGEON IF:

• Evidence of bleeding, or significant change in color or amount of drainage occurs.  
• Swelling or redness at wound site that appears abnormal.
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
• Unusual pain, nausea and/or vomiting, severe abdominal bloating with no passage of gas.
• Bothersome diarrhea. 

IF OFFICE IS CLOSED and an EMERGENCY arises, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.  

A MISA surgeon can be reached by calling the office answering service at (309) 677-6019