Anal Fulguration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Anal fulguration
is a procedure to destroy growths. The procedure may be used to treat problems such as anal warts and some forms of cancer. Your healthcare provider will use a laser or electrocautery device to create energy. The energy makes heat that destroys tissue.
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How to prepare for the procedure:
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything the night before the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home from the procedure.
- You may need to use an enema before your procedure. An enema empties your bowels. Your provider will tell you when to use an enema.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
- You may need to have abdominal x-rays, a CT scan, ultrasound, or colonoscopy. Other tests may also be needed, such as chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), or blood or urine tests.
What will happen during the procedure:
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during your procedure. You may instead be given local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, you will not feel pain, but you may be able to feel some pressure during your procedure.
- An anoscope will be placed into your anus. An anoscope is a small tube with a light and magnifying camera on the end. Your healthcare provider will look at the walls of your anus as the scope moves into place.
- A laser or other device will be used to destroy tissue. Your provider may need to treat more than 1 area.
What to expect after the procedure:
- You will be taken to a recovery room until you are fully awake. Do not get out of bed until healthcare providers say it is okay. When providers see that you are okay, you will be taken back to your hospital room.
- You will be helped to walk around after surgery. Movement helps prevent blood clots.
- You may have discharge and a small amount of blood from your anus. This is normal. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long to expect discharge and bleeding, and what to do if it gets worse.
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain or nausea. Blood thinning medicine may be given to help prevent blood clots. You may also need medicine to make it easier to have a bowel movement. This medicine can also help prevent constipation.
Risks of anal fulguration:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Muscles in your rectum and anus may be damaged during surgery. This may make it hard to control your bowel movements. You may have scarring in the procedure area. Tissue that was destroyed may come back. You may need another fulguration if this happens.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe pain in your rectum or abdomen.
- Your abdomen becomes tender and hard.
- Your bowel movements are black or have blood in them.
- Your vomit is green, looks like coffee grounds, or has blood in it.
Call your doctor if:
- You feel very full and you cannot burp or vomit.
- You have problems having a bowel movement or passing gas or urine.
- You have a fever.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You are not able to have a bowel movement.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may make it easier for you to have a bowel movement. You may need this medicine to treat or prevent constipation.
- Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent constipation:
Constipation can increase pressure in your anus. Do the following to prevent constipation:
- Eat high-fiber foods as directed. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and bran. You may need to take a fiber supplement.
- Drink more liquids. You may need to drink more liquids than usual. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Be physically active. Ask about the best exercise plan for you. Walking is a good way to prevent constipation or help you have a bowel movement if you are constipated.
Self-care:
- Get more rest. Rest when you need to while you heal. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to drive.
- Keep your anal area clean. After a bowel movement, wipe with moist towelettes or wet toilet paper. Dry toilet paper can irritate the area. Wear a sanitary pad to absorb bleeding and keep the area clean and dry.
- Take warm sitz baths. The warm water can help decrease pain and swelling. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times a day, or as directed.
- Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. This can increase pressure in your rectum or anus.
- Eat healthy foods. Choose healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean meat. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Drink more liquids. Good liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid you should drink each day, and which liquids are best for you.
Follow up with your doctor or proctologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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