Post‑Surgery FAQ: Your First 72 Hours After Piles Surgery

Welcome to our Post‑Surgery Care FAQ, designed to answer the most common questions patients have in the first 72 hours after piles surgery, by Dr. Kaushik Vora, MS, at his Proctology Practice in Guwahati.

Our goal is to keep things simple, friendly, and stress‑free, so you know exactly what to expect during recovery.

1. When can I start eating after surgery?

Most patients can begin eating 4 – 6 hours after surgery.

Start with soft, easy-to-digest foods like khichdi,dahlis or simple rice‑dal.

Hydration is essential. Aim for more than 3 litres of water per day from the next day of surgery

This helps flush out medications used during surgery and reduces the chance of post‑spinal headache.

2. When will I be discharged from the hospital?

Most patients are discharged the very next day.

3. Why am I having difficulty passing urine?

This is common on the night of surgery.

Your bladder muscles take time to recover from anaesthesia.

It is more common in older men due to prostate size.

Most patients pass urine normally; if not, the nurse or doctor may temporarily use a catheter to empty the bladder.

5. What sleeping position is safe?

You can sleep in any position that feels comfortable, sideways, on your back, or on your stomach.

There are no restrictions.

5. When should I start a Sitz bath or a warm water bath?

Warm water sitz baths begin the next day after piles surgery/.,bvcxwe, twice daily.

They help:

• Reduce pain
• Maintain hygiene
• Prevent infection

After each sitz bath, an antiseptic ointment is applied inside the anal canal.

Learn about how sitz baths help.

6. Will I be able to pass stool normally?

For the first 2 – 3 days, it’s normal not to have a bowel movement.

If you feel the urge, you can go. There is no harm.

After passing stool:

• Wash with plain water
• Follow with a sitz bath

Some discomfort is expected, but warm water and ointment help significantly.

More on bowel movements after piles surgery.

7. Can I walk or sit normally?

For the first 48 – 72 hours, avoid:

• Excessive walking
• Long periods of sitting

This helps prevent post‑spinal headache.

After 72 hours, there are no major restrictions.

8. What should my diet look like after surgery?

Stick to fibre‑rich foods.

Avoid:

• Meat‑heavy meals
• Processed or junk food
• Bakery items

Do not reduce food intake out of fear of passing stool. This can cause constipation and harder stools, which worsen discomfort.

Explore fibre‑rich diet options.

Final Note

The first 72 hours are all about comfort, hydration, hygiene, and calmness.

Follow these basics, and your recovery will be smooth and predictable.