Fistula Surgery Recovery – What to Expect After the Procedure
Recovering from fistula surgery varies depending on the type of fistula and the procedure performed (Laser, LIFT, VAAFT, Fistulotomy, FiLaC, etc.).
Here is a clear, patient-friendly recovery guide in the same format as your earlier posts.
🩹 What Happens After Fistula Surgery?
After the procedure, patients usually experience:
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Clear/serous discharge
- Wound dressing or open wound healing
- Relief from pressure and pus
All of these are normal parts of recovery.
⏳ Healing Time After Fistula Surgery
⏺ Laser / VAAFT / FiLaC: 1–2 weeks
⏺ LIFT Procedure: 3–4 weeks
⏺ Fistulotomy (Open Surgery): 4–6 weeks
⏺ Complex/Recurrent Fistulas: Can take longer based on depth
Healing also depends on:
✔ Diabetes control
✔ Smoking
✔ Immunity
✔ Proper wound cleaning
✔ Regular follow-ups
🧼 Post-Surgery Care Instructions
1️⃣ Sitz Bath (Warm Water Tub Bath)
- Twice daily for 10–15 minutes
- Helps reduce pain, swelling, and infection
2️⃣ Wound Care
- Clean gently with warm water
- Apply prescribed ointment
- Keep area dry
- Change dressings if advised
3️⃣ Diet After Fistula Surgery
Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
Include:
✔ Fruits
✔ Vegetables
✔ Dalia, oats
✔ Buttermilk
✔ Plenty of water
Avoid:
✖ Spicy food
✖ Constipation
✖ Heavy lifting
4️⃣ Medications
Take:
- Painkillers
- Antibiotics
- Stool softeners
- Antiseptic ointments
Do NOT skip doses.
🚶♂️ Activity & Lifestyle
- Walking is encouraged
- Avoid gym for 2–3 weeks
- No cycling/squatting until healing
- Resume work in 3–7 days (depending on pain)
⚠️ When to Call Your Surgeon?
Call immediately if you notice:
- High fever
- Increasing pain
- Persistent pus with foul smell
- Excessive bleeding
- Difficulty passing stools
Early attention prevents complications and recurrence.
📍 Fistula Surgeon in Thane West – Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
For advanced fistula management with modern treatments like Laser, VAAFT, FiLaC, and LIFT, contact:
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mQJ7pzpzX9d5Uk399
