Discharge Instructions for Perineal Repair of Rectal Prolapse
PAUL E. SAVOCA, MD, FACS, FASCRS
You had surgery to remove a rectal prolapse through the anus (this is often referred to as a Delorme or Altmeier Procedure). Complete recovery from hemorrhoid surgery typically takes about 4 weeks. Following your surgery, you will experience pain or discomfort in your rectal area. You may also experience constipation, difficulty urinating, and possibly some rectal bleeding. The following are some general guidelines for proper care after your procedure.
Home Care
- A small amount of bleeding is common following rectal surgery. A sanitary napkin or gauze may be worn over the anal opening to keep the underclothing clean. If there is prolonged or profuse bleeding with passage of clots, call the office at once. In some patients a packing will have been placed in the anus at the end of the surgery. This will dissolve and pass with the first bowel movement.
- Difficulty urinating after rectal surgery is usually due to spasm of the urinary sphincter resulting from pain due to the surgery. Getting the pain under control and relaxing the sphincter usually allows for the urine to pass. Take the pain medication you were prescribed and do warm sitz baths – either in a bath tub or sitz basin. While soaking, attempt to relax the bladder and urinate into the water. If you are unable to urinate in the first eight hours after your surgery, notify the doctor’s office. After hours, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. A bladder catheter will be placed and remain in place for 2 days, you may call the office to have the catheter removed. Once you have started to urinate, drink plenty of water and fruit juices (such as prune juice) after your surgery.
- You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Follow the directions given by your doctor for taking this medication. To avoid upset stomach, take your pain medication as prescribed with food in your stomach. Take these drugs exactly as directed. Never take more than the recommended dose, and do not take the drugs more often than directed. If the drugs do not seem to be working, call the office for advice. Do not share these or any other prescription drugs with others because the drug may have a completely different effect on the person for whom it was not prescribed.