My colorectal surgeon used an anoscopy to look at my fistula after surgery and told me to do do sitz bath for a month before returning back to see him... the sitz baths arent working but then what was the purpose of doing an anoscopy if the anoscopy wasnt gonna reveal anything then? Is an anoscope gonna reveal something to the surgeon or not when examining a patient?
Hi david96,
My name is Amy and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Thanks for posting your question.
An anoscopy will help your surgeon get a more detail look at the anus and rectum and identify the extent of the anal fistula and decide the best treatment plan moving forward.
A sitz bath can help reduce risk of infection and promote faster healing, as the heat increases blood flow to the area.
Do you have a scheduled follow-up appointment to check if the sitz bath is working and plan further treatment if needed? If not – it might be worth getting in touch with your colorectal surgeon (usually via the secretary or specialist nurse) to let them know you feel this isn’t working.
There are surgical ways to manage and treat anal fissures if needed but it may be the surgeon wants to see if your body can heal on its own.
You are welcome to give us a call on the support line if you have any more questions or just want to chat through things in more detail.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref: AC/DC
Thank you for getting in touch, I’m Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear that you feel the Sitz bath is not helping your minor chronic pain, and that you are experiencing further symptoms.
We would recommend that you speak to your colorectal surgeon and let them know that this is what you are experiencing. This will allow your medical team to assess these fully, and if necessary, decide if any other treatment is required. You can contact them via the secretary or specialist nurse.
During the anoscope procedure your surgeon will have been able to examine the anus and rectum to determine the extent of the fistula. When you speak to them about your symptoms you can ask for more detailed information about what was observed during your examination and the extent of your surgery.
Best wishes,
Isobel Y, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ IY/KH
