Post-Operative Instructions
Post-operative instructions help patients recover safely after surgery or an office-based procedure. These instructions explain what to expect after treatment, how to manage pain, how to care for the surgical area, when to resume activity, and when to contact the office.
This page provides access to post-operative instructions for patients of Dr. Aisha Akhtar, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Choose your procedure instructions
Please follow the post-operative instructions specifically provided to you by our office. Recovery instructions may differ depending on your procedure, diagnosis, medications, and individual surgical plan.
If you are not sure which instructions apply to your procedure, please contact the office before making changes to your wound care, medications, diet, or activity level.
General recovery guidance
Your recovery plan depends on the procedure performed. However, most post-operative instructions include guidance about:
Pain control
Use pain medication only as directed. Some patients may be advised to use over-the-counter medication, prescription pain medication, stool softeners, or other supportive care.
Wound or incision care
Keep the surgical area clean and follow the dressing, bathing, and wound-care instructions provided by the office.
Bowel function
Constipation and straining can worsen pain after anorectal or abdominal procedures. Follow bowel-regimen instructions carefully.
Diet and hydration
Drink adequate fluids unless you were told to restrict fluids. Resume diet as instructed after your procedure.
Activity restrictions
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activities restricted by your surgeon until you are cleared.
Follow-up care
Keep your scheduled post-operative appointment so the surgical team can assess healing and address concerns.
Medication instructions
Please follow your individualized medication instructions. Do not restart or stop blood thinners, diabetes medications, GLP-1 medications, or other prescribed medications unless instructed by Dr. Akhtar, your prescribing clinician, or the surgical team.
Contact the office if you have questions about:
- blood thinners or antiplatelet medications
- diabetes medications
- GLP-1 medications or weight-loss injections
- antibiotics
- prescription pain medication
- stool softeners or laxatives
- nausea medication
- any medication you were told to hold before surgery
Bowel care after surgery
Bowel management is especially important after colorectal and anorectal procedures. Constipation, hard stools, and straining may increase pain or interfere with healing.
Unless you were given different instructions, helpful steps may include:
- drinking adequate fluids
- using stool softeners or laxatives as directed
- avoiding prolonged straining
- avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods
- contacting the office if you cannot pass stool or gas
When to call the office
Please contact the office if you develop:
- worsening pain not controlled with medication
- fever or chills
- increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the incision
- heavy bleeding
- persistent nausea or vomiting
- inability to pass stool or gas
- difficulty urinating
- worsening abdominal swelling
- severe rectal pain
- concern that your wound is opening
- any symptom that feels unusual or concerning
When to seek urgent medical attention
Seek urgent medical care or call emergency services if you develop:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- fainting
- severe weakness
- heavy ongoing bleeding
- severe abdominal pain
- confusion
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- sudden leg swelling or severe calf pain
Schedule or confirm your follow-up
If you have questions about your recovery or need to confirm your post-operative appointment, please contact the office.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which post-operative instructions should I follow?
Follow the instructions given to you by our office for your specific procedure. If you received more than one instruction sheet or are unsure which one applies, contact the office.
Is bleeding normal after anorectal surgery?
Small amounts of bleeding may occur after some anorectal procedures. Heavy bleeding, persistent bleeding, dizziness, or weakness should be reported promptly.
How can I prevent constipation after surgery?
Follow your bowel-regimen instructions, drink fluids as allowed, and avoid straining. Stool softeners or laxatives may be recommended depending on your procedure.
When can I return to normal activity?
Activity restrictions depend on the procedure. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or restricted activities until you are cleared by the surgical team.
When should I call after surgery?
Call if you have worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding, increasing wound drainage, inability to urinate, inability to pass stool or gas, or any concern about your recovery.
