Book a visit

Treatments

Recovery after surgery

Section
Treatments
Specialist
Op. Dr. Dilara Hasanova
Clinic
Modern Hospital, Baku

What to expect after surgery

Short answer

In the first days after proctological surgery, some pain, discomfort and a small amount of bloody discharge are considered normal. Pain relievers, stool softeners, warm sitz baths and hygiene make recovery easier. Healing time depends on the type and extent of the operation and usually ranges from 1 to 4 weeks.

The first days

  • First dressing change: usually 24 hours after surgery.
  • Pain: take the pain relievers prescribed by your doctor regularly; do not wait for the pain to get worse.
  • First bowel movement: stool softeners and plenty of fluids make the first bowel movement easier. Do not hold back the urge, and do not strain. Read more: The first bowel movement after hemorrhoidectomy
  • Warm sitz bath: several times a day and after every bowel movement, for 10–15 minutes in warm water.
  • Hygiene: after a bowel movement, wash with warm water instead of using toilet paper and dry with a soft towel.

After surgery

  1. 24 hoursThe first dressing change is usually done 24 hours after surgery.
  2. The first daysPain relievers, stool softeners, a warm sitz bath.
  3. First monthSeveral planned follow-up visits.
  4. 1–4 weeksThe recovery time depends on the extent of the operation.
The doctor determines the exact duration and the timing of follow-up visits individually.

Nutrition

  • Fiber-rich foods and plenty of fluids
  • Limiting hot and spicy foods, very salty foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol in the first days
  • Avoiding constipation

Activity

  • Walking is recommended from the first day
  • Lifting heavy objects and heavy physical exertion are restricted until the doctor gives permission
  • Returning to work depends on the type of work. A return to sedentary work usually comes sooner, and to heavy physical work later

Follow-up visits

After surgery, Dr. Hasanova invites patients to several follow-up visits during the first month. After a polypectomy, the timing of the follow-up visit is determined by the histological result.

When should you see a doctor right away?

  • Pain that increases or does not go away despite pain relievers
  • Persistent or heavy bleeding
  • Fever, chills
  • Pus discharge, a foul smell from the wound, increasing swelling
  • Inability to urinate
  • Symptoms that return within a short time, unexpected side effects

In urgent situations such as heavy bleeding and loss of consciousness, call 103.

Popular searches

Book a visit

Fill in the form, and when you press the “Send via WhatsApp” button, WhatsApp will open with your message ready. The appointment time is confirmed via WhatsApp.

Write your complaint briefly. Before sending sensitive photos or medical documents, check with the doctor or the clinic first.

Form data is not stored on the site: the message is prepared on your device and sent via WhatsApp.

In an emergency (heavy bleeding, severe pain with a high fever), do not wait for the form; call 103.

Cookie settings

You can change your choice at any time with the “Cookie settings” link at the bottom of the site. No analytics or advertising cookies are used on the site.

Necessary

Your cookie choice and the settings you selected in the accessibility menu (text size, contrast, etc.). This data stays only in your browser.

The map from Google Maps on the home page and the contact page, and YouTube videos; these services may set their own cookies. If you give permission, the map loads automatically; if not, you can open it with the “Show map” button. In either case, videos load only when you open them.