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| Peri-Anal Abscess |
These notes give an overall guide to your stay in hospital. You may see some differences in the details of your treatment, since it is tailored to suit your own condition.
WHAT IS A PERIANAL ABSCESS? This is an infection in the wall of the lowest part of the back passage. Pus builds up under the skin causing swelling and pain. There is sometimes a connection with the back passage itself.  The pus is let out through a cut in the skin. The wound is plugged with an antiseptic material. Sometimes antibiotics are given to help the healing Reception When registering at reception your medical aid details will be required. Your medical aid may require that you obtain an authority number from them for the hospital. Please check this. If you are not on a member of a medical aid you will be required to pay a deposit or to sign an indemnity form. As far as possible we will try to advise you about hospital costs before your admission. Welcome to the ward You will be welcomed to the ward by the nurses or the receptionist and will have your details checked. Some basic tests will be done such as pulse, temperature, blood pressure and urine examination. You will be asked to hand in any medicines or drugs you may be taking, so that your drug treatment in hospital will be correct. Please tell the nurses of any allergies to drugs or dressings. The surgeon will have explained the operation and you will be asked to sign your consent for the operation. If you are not clear about any part of the operation, then read this again and then ask for more details from the surgeon or from the nurses. Visit by the anaesthetist If you are having a general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist who will be giving your anaesthetic will interview and examine you. He will be especially interested in chest troubles, dental treatment and any previous anaesthetics you have had. Diet You will have your usual diet until 6 hours before the operation when you will be asked to take nothing by mouth. This will let your stomach empty to prevent vomiting during the operation. Timing of the operation. The timing of your operation is pre-arranged so that the nurses will tell you when to expect to go to the operating theatre. Do not be surprised, however, if there are changes to the exact timing. Transfer to theatre. You will be taken on a trolley to the operating suite by the staff. You will be wearing a cotton gown, wedding rings will be fastened with tape and removable dentures will be left on the ward. There will be several checks on your details on the way to the operating theatre where your anaesthetic will begin. The operation is then performed. Coming round after the anaesthetic Although you will be conscious a minute or two after the operation ends, you are unlikely to remember anything until you are back in your bed on the ward. Some patients feel a bit sick for up to 24 hours after operation, but this passes off. You will be given some treatment for sickness if necessary. Drinking and eating You will be able to drink within an hour or two of the operation provided you are not feeling sick. The next day you should be able to manage a normal diet. Opening bowels It is quite normal for the bowels not to open for a day or so after operation. The first time you open your bowels it may be a bit painful but this rapidly improves. A bath or shower will help to cleanse the area. Passing urine It is important that you pass urine and empty your bladder within 6?12 hours of the operation. If you find using a bed pan or a bottle difficult, the nurses will assist you to a commode or the toilet. If you still cannot pass urine let the nurses know and steps will be taken to correct the problem. What about the periods? Menstrual bleeding at the time of your operation presents no problems. Tampons can be used normally. Alternatively the abscess dressing will act as a sanitary pad. Sleeping You will be offered painkillers rather than sleeping pills to help you to sleep. If you cannot sleep despite the painkillers please let the nurses know. The wound The wound has a dressing held on by elastic netting pants. There may be some staining with old blood during the first 12 hours. The dressings will be removed the day after operation and will be replaced with a lighter dressing after cleansing with an antiseptic solution usually Betadine. Washing You can wash the wound area as soon as the dressing has been removed. Soap and tap water are entirely adequate. Salted water is not necessary. How long in hospital? You are usually able to go home the same day or the day after the operation if the abscess is small. Larger abscesses require a longer stay. You will be given an appointment for a checkup with your surgeon about a week after discharge. You will be given dressings to use at home as needed. You will be given a supply of antiseptic solution. Sick notes Please ask the doctor for sick notes, certificates etc. After you leave hospital You may be uncomfortable for 3 or 4 days. The wound should heal within 2 weeks. The back passage will be examined one month after the operation in case there is a connection with the back passage which would need further treatment. Driving You can drive as soon as you can make an emergency stop without discomfort in the wound, i.e. after about 10 days. What about sex? You can restart sexual activities within a week or two, when the wound is comfortable enough. Work You should be able to return to a light job after about 1 week, and any heavy job within 2 weeks. Complications Complications are rare and seldom serious. If you think that all is not well, please ask the nurses or doctors. The wound is always a bit moist for a week or two. There is likely to be a discharge of yellow matter and even some dark blood on the dressings during this time. Opening your bowels becomes rapidly easier particularly if you take a laxative. If you have any problems or queries, please ask the nurses or doctors. |
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