After anal fissure surgery, do you need to keep inserting a gauze pad during dressing changes?

Generally, whether gauze needs to be continuously inserted during dressing changes after anal fissure surgery mainly depends on the specific condition of the wound. If wound healing is poor, continuous gauze packing may be necessary; however, if the wound is healing well, it is usually unnecessary to keep inserting gauze. Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they experience discomfort. The detailed analysis is as follows:

When wound healing is poor after anal fissure surgery, there may be persistent exudate, bleeding, or risk of infection. Gauze acts as a physical barrier that effectively absorbs exudate and blood, keeps the wound dry, reduces the environment conducive to bacterial growth, and thus helps prevent infection and promote wound healing. In addition, the compressive effect of gauze can also assist in stopping bleeding and support wound recovery. Therefore, when wound healing is suboptimal, doctors may recommend continued use of gauze during dressing changes until the wound condition stabilizes.

When the wound is healing well after anal fissure surgery, a protective layer of scab or scar tissue gradually forms over the wound surface. This tissue naturally blocks external bacteria from entering and reduces exudate production. At this stage, frequent insertion of gauze may disrupt this protective scab or scar tissue, potentially impairing further wound healing. Thus, when healing progresses well, physicians typically recommend reducing or discontinuing the use of gauze in dressing changes.

Patients should attend regular follow-up appointments and promptly report their wound status so that doctors can provide the most appropriate care recommendations. Meanwhile, maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding spicy or irritating foods can help promote wound healing and reduce the risk of complications.