Care after the incision and drainage

• A pressure dressing has been applied to control any bleeding immediately after your procedure. This can be removed 8 hours after the procedure. However, if you need to have a bowel movement before that you may remove the dressing at that time.
• After the dressing has been removed it is important to sit in a sitz bath with warm water for 5-10 minutes. This should be done at least three times a day and after each bowel movement for 7-10 days. You can either use your bathtub or a portable sitz bath which can be bought at any pharmacy.
• After each bath gently pat the area dry and use a piece of gauze or sanitary pad to absorb moisture. A small amount of drainage is to be expected.
• It is important to keep your bowel movement soft and easy to pass. You should take Colace 100mg 2 pills twice a day, and a soluble fiber such as Metamucil, or Citrucel one tablespoon twice a day.
• Take pain medication as directed. Do not drive or operate machinery if taking a prescription pain medication.

Call our office for any of the following

Persistent rectal bleeding, Increased pain or difficulty urinating or a temperature over 100 F.