How long after anal fistula surgery should there be no bleeding?

There is no fixed standard for the time it takes to stop bleeding after anal fistula surgery. Typically, bleeding significantly decreases and gradually stops within 3 to 7 days post-surgery. The exact duration depends directly on the size of the surgical wound, individual blood clotting function, and postoperative care. Patients with smaller wounds and proper care tend to recover faster, while those with larger wounds or inadequate care may experience prolonged bleeding. A detailed analysis is as follows:

For simple anal fistula surgery, where the wound area is small, there may be only slight dripping of blood during bowel movements or traces of blood on toilet paper. In most patients, bleeding eases within about 3 days and essentially stops within 7 days. As long as these patients maintain soft stools and avoid friction against the wound, bleeding symptoms will quickly subside. In contrast, complex anal fistulas involve larger and deeper wounds, resulting in relatively longer postoperative bleeding, which may take 7 to 10 days to completely cease. Strict adherence to postoperative care instructions is essential, including cleaning the wound with warm water sitz baths after bowel movements and applying prescribed hemostatic and anti-inflammatory ointments as directed by a physician.

Diet-wise, patients should consume more liquid foods such as porridge and well-cooked noodles, along with fruits and vegetables like bananas and spinach that promote bowel movements. Additionally, strenuous exercise and prolonged sitting should be avoided to reduce pressure on the wound. These measures can effectively shorten bleeding duration and promote wound healing.