You will need to have a preoperative physical exam by your primary or referring physician within 30 days of your scheduled surgery. You will be given instructions for cleansing the rectum.

On the day of surgery, report to the admitting area to register. A nurse will take your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and temperature) and go through a list of questions to ensure that you are ready for surgery. If your doctor or anesthesiologist requires a chest x-ray or EKG and these were not done as a part of your preoperative examination, you may have them done at the hospital. Blood will be drawn and sent to the laboratory for current test results. You may also be asked to give a urine specimen. Your family will be directed to the surgical waiting room and you will go to a preop room. The anesthesiologist will talk to you about options for anesthesia. An IV line will be started.

You will be escorted into the operating room. You will receive medication to relax you, and then the anesthesia chosen by you and your doctors will be given. You will be positioned on your stomach over a roll. The length of surgery varies from patient to patient and is determined by the general health of the patient and how complicated the surgery is.

Following surgery you will be taken to the recovery room where specially-trained nurses will care for you. Your doctor will meet your family after surgery to discuss your condition.

To Prepare for Your Surgery

•  Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery; this includes water and chewing gum.
• Continue to take medication as prescribed, but with only a sip of water. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or any medication containing aspirin for one week before your surgery.
• Do not smoke after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Do not wear make-up, especially eye make-up.
• Do not bring large sums of money, jewelry or credit cards.
• Do not wear artificial nails or nail polish. Your nails are monitored during surgery to identify oxygen and blood circulation.
• Bring a list with you of all your medications and their dosages.
• Bring your insurance identification cards.

Most likely you will be discharged on the same day. In some situations, you may stay in the hospital for one or two nights.

The use of stitches depends on the procedure. However, if they are used, they will dissolve in a few weeks. There may be some bleeding at that time.

The incision does cause pain. You will be given pain medication to take home. If you need a refill for a pain medication, you must call your pharmacy during normal business hours. Our policy is that we do not refill pain medications or prescriptions after hours or on weekends because your chart is not available. The doctor on call is not allowed to refill your prescription.

You will be on a high-fiber diet.

Yes, there will be pain. Avoid constipation by eating foods high in fiber, drinking plenty of water (8-10 glasses of liquid per day) and taking natural fiber products. Taking baths will also relieve the pain. Do not take laxatives unless directed to do so by your doctor; passing liquid stools is painful.

It is normal to have bleeding with your bowel movements for up to two weeks. If you should pass more than a cupful of blood, you should call your doctor.