Anal skin tag surgery

[Tine2u]

Hi,
Five days ago I had 2 skin tags removed under general anaesthetic. These were situated on the anal area and really bothered me. They are there since after giving birth and with all the bowel problems (ulcerative colitis) it started to really b in the way of normality for me.
I went in hospital thinking the day after I'm up and running. I TOTALLY under estimated this!! This is the 5th day I'm flat out in pain with a bleeding weeping anal area. Only had 1 bowel movement after a laxative (which was agony and in contrast with my normal medication) I only have 3 stitches and it looks much better (apart from some swelling which will go down). I can't walk or stand long and even with sanitary pads i still stain my clothes? I wash with watere after using the toilet, I've tried a salt bath and I've tried sleeping naked to 'air' the area. I also use Preperation H after cleaning the area but nothing soothes or stops the bleeding. Please has anybody got some similar experience or can offer any useful suggestions? Many thanks!!

[aheart]

I'm sorry you are so unfortable, it sounds miserable. I was remembering back to when we had our babies and sitz baths and heat lamps were of great help in healing and comforting. Of course before trying anything you should clear it with your doctor to make sure it is the right thing to do in your situation. The heat lamps are the infra-red variety you must be careful that you don't keep it on the area too long, so follow your doc's directions. You can take several sitz baths a day, but again not too long. You will find that this will help tremendously. The bleeding part of it is definitely a question for your doctor. Hope you feel better soon!

[robust_tj]

I underwent a skin tag removal 06 days ago and it is the worst ever pain that I have suffered ever with the BM. Each time the BM are on, it gets stuck with the most terrible pain in the buttocks and groin area. Bleeding is somewhat less now but still I am using a sanitary napkin to prevent the leakage. Just came to office today. I was given Bactoclar 625mg, Metrogyl 400mg, Zycel 200mg with paracetamol for the healing.  I am wishing you all soon recovery from this pain.

[Ghilly]

I'm really sorry to hear you are going through this.  My hubby had hemorrhoid surgery about a year ago and it was HORRIBLE!!!!!  They (the doctors and nurses at the hospital) all made it sound like "oh, it's nothing!  You'll be back to your old self instantly!" and NOTHING could be further from the truth!  He was in AGONY for WEEKS afterward, we thought he would never feel right again!   The anal/rectal area is just so loaded with nerve endings that it seems that every sensation in that area is magnified a thousand times!  Also, every time your body does what it's supposed to do (ie, daily bowel movements, urination, etc.) every muscle in the area is put to work.  Even urinating uses those muscles because when you are peeing, if you stop the pee stream or go to push a bit to pee more, no matter which direction you go in, you use those muscles!  So they absolutely NEVER get a chance to rest to heal, they have to heal while working.  

Epsom salts baths helped DH a lot, as did antiinflammatories and just plain taking it easy when it hurt.  I know it seems like it will never go away but it will.  

[Tine2u]

Thank u both so much for the comments! I've been told by reception of this particular hospital & surgeon that I hav to go back to A&E?!? I've tried salt baths, laxatives, but pain or bleeding has not improved yet..your comments helped though...if beforehand I wasn't told it was 'simple & minor surgery with only a few days slight discomfort & light bleeding' I wouldn't worry so much now. Like u said...nothing could be further from the truth..I'm glad to hear a good end result from u, fingers crossed for the upcoming weeks. Thanks again!! Martinez

[Tine2u]

It's been 13 days now. I'm in less pain but still bleeding (although not as heavy) I've noticed that shower the area and then dry it with the hair dryer is the best way. Another tip..use sudocreme on the area to avoid nappy rash!  Wish I started that earlier..Mnay thanks for the comments! Martine

[KatieL686]

Can I ask how the rest of your healing went? When the area was fully healed did it seem pretty much back to normal? I am curious as so many people have a lot of swelling if that does not create more skin tags in the healing process. Am looking at having this procedure done as well so would love to know if you are happy with the outcome and still glad you had it done. Thanks!

[sazzle7767]

Hi there, I had 1 anal skin tag removed on monday, i am still bleeding slightly but can i ask did you have blood in your stools? i did have 1 rubber banding at same time. thanks any advise would be great as it is killing me.

[jbess613]

Hello All -

I wanted to tell you what’s been going on with me to see if it’s anything like what you went through. I’m just grasping at whatever resources I can since this recovery is so awful.

Here is a little background: Back in January I started having some issues when I would have a bowl movement – there would be blood. So I went to a hemorrhoid treatment center and they treated me for internal hemorrhoids which was not that bad.

Well, about 2 months later I had what I THOUGHT was an external hemorrhoid. So I let it go for a while then I decided to
see a colorectal surgeon. I went to him at the beginning of June and he said the skin tag on the outside was actually from a fissure.

So, on June 7, I had the skin tag (fissure) removed and he also did a little bit of other cutting (he explained why but now I can’t remember why). Since then, I’ve wanted to die. It’s been almost 2 weeks since the surgery and it’s the most debilitating thing I’ve EVER been through.

My doctor said it could take weeks to recover from it. I’m very swollen right now but I didn’t get swollen until almost a week AFTER the surgery. When I followed up with my doc yesterday, he said this was normal. I’m on Vicodin and valium for pain/muscle spasms.

I barely eat anything now in fear of a bowel movement because the hurt so bad – it burns, stings and aches all at the same time. Even my tailbone aches from everything.

Was your experience similar to this? I just want to see light at the end of the tunnel!

Thanks so much.

[jhettk89]

Omg. I thought I was the only one, but should of not assumed that. I got my skin tag removed on June 27, so it going to be a week today, I also got a different surgery to go with it, and that one is pretty much clear. The scab has fallen off, but the skin is just sensitive. My friend checks my progress, and he said that thus far the swelling is there and that the area that obviously needs more healing is the tag area. he said it was a bloody bruised flesh color, and now its pink, but the top area (skin tag) is still a bit "beat up". I'm only taking Aleve, cause I'm afraid Vicodin constipates and I don't want that.

From the hear of things, it takes months (I expected), but on average how long? The only thing I could think of was post-pregnant women. Would it be the equivalent of that?  I mean, this is my first, and it ***** to say, I am a gay male, and this is the worst pain I have ever- ever- experienced!! I know it's good in the long run, but- honestly- nurses will lie to you. All I have to say, imagine your first time you've had anal sex, or the pain you think you might have if you haven't- and multiply it by 10, or more!! Yes, it hurts more than a hemorrhoid too.

Does anyone have any tricks (medical or home remedies) to help the pain, and produce a quicker heal? Thank you!!

[jackydcoke]

I'm scared now! I have skin tag and having it removed in the next month! the only good thing about it is I will have two weeks off work!

[ilona449]

Hey...I had my skin tags removed 4 days ago...and Im so freaked out ...when i looked at my anus,looks horrible,looks like somebody ripped my anus off,looks like skin tags havent been removed,they just became swollen bigger ...pain is unbelievable..i dont know is that just because it swollen and looks so bad..or its been a bad surgery...im still waiting for healing ..and very hope so thats going away...please let me know if thats what you had too? thanks Ilona

[ilona449]

Hey...I had my skin tags removed 4 days ago...and Im so freaked out ...when i looked at my anus,looks horrible,looks like somebody ripped my anus off,looks like skin tags havent been removed,they just became swollen bigger ...pain is unbelievable..i dont know is that just because it swollen and looks so bad..or its been a bad surgery...im still waiting for healing ..and very hope so thats going away...please let me know if thats what you had too? thanks Ilona

[sweela]

I had an anal skin tag removed, and due to reading about people's experiences online I was really worried beforehand. I made the decision to go on a juice/soup diet beginning two days before the surgery, up until about a week after the surgery--- and I honestly think it made a world of difference. As a result of not having to go to the bathroom, the area was able to heal for a full week. When I finally did go (I eased back in by eating soft vegetables in soup), it did hurt---- but after the first time, it really truly wasn't bad. And it quickly got better. I'm about 2 weeks post-surgery, and am basically back to normal. I don't regret getting the surgery at all---- incredibly grateful to Dr. Kelly Garrett in New York for a job well done. For those of you reading up because you're considering getting the surgery, I highly recommend a liquid diet---- and a reputable doctor is obviously key too.

[sweela]

I had an anal skin tag removed, and due to reading about people's experiences online I was really worried beforehand. I made the decision to go on a juice/soup diet beginning two days before the surgery, up until about a week after the surgery--- and I honestly think it made a world of difference. As a result of not having to go to the bathroom, the area was able to heal for a full week. When I finally did go (I eased back in by eating soft vegetables in soup), it did hurt---- but after the first time, it really truly wasn't bad. And it quickly got better. I'm about 2 weeks post-surgery, and am basically back to normal. I don't regret getting the surgery at all---- incredibly grateful to Dr. Kelly Garrett in New York for a job well done. For those of you reading up because you're considering getting the surgery, I highly recommend a liquid diet---- and a reputable doctor is obviously key too.

[jaschultz1971]

I had 2 anal skin tags removed on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. I am in oh so much pain and my Percocet is almost gone. I am taking MiraLAX for any constipation that may occur, but that has not been an issue because I have had severe diarrhea since my surgery. I am in so much pain, I am on a liquid diet, and my anus is so swollen and black and blue.  Its crazy how much I hurt right now.

[huxtapan]

I had a sphincterotompy for the treatment of an anal fissure combined with the removal of a skin tag about 10 days ago. The jury's out on the anal fissure as the whole episode has been overshadowed by the gaping crater in my *** which has been left behind following the removal of the skin tag. Size-wise, it is roughtly the circumference of my pinky fingertip, and it leads down through my twitcher into the depths of my anus. It weeps uncontrollably and the discoloured fluid it generates absolutely stinks to high heaven. I had the surgery done on a Wednesday and the surgeon said I'd be fine for work by Monday. What?!?!? Are you kiddin doc?! I took the Mon and Tue off but went back to work on the Wednesday, in some pain and walking like an 80 year old who recently fell off a bucking bronco. The open wound is very sore and I have taken to plugging it with cotton-backed lint as this is both soft and absorbent and is relatively comfortable to wear in my ***. I need to change it every 1-2 hours as the gunk heaps up and soaks through the lint material. Ok, this is fine, just something I have to get on with but what I have noticed is that the wound doesn't seem to have healed in any way since the op 10 days ago. And honestly, how can it if it isn't being allowed to scab over and heal? Right? However, what am I supposed to do? I have to get on with my life without a sodden, reeking anus which would be incredibly embarrassing. My fear is that this damn thing will never heal properly as long as it's being plugged with gauze material. If I had a similar wound in a more exposed area like my arm for instance, then I would keep it clean but partly uncovered in order to let it dry out, scab and heal. This is an impossibility in my ***! I know it's early days but I have a suspicion this will take months and may not even heal properly. I would welcome any insights into this Catch-22 predicament.

[esmead]

I had a skin tag removed last Thursday, May 1st. After reading the comments posted here, I called my doctor before having the surgery, to confirm her assertion that I would be well and leading a normal life by Monday, May 5th. I spoke with her nurse and she  did confirm and told me that it was nothing and that I would be ok by Monday. Well, the post op has been tolerable with medications. I got norco and Valium. Told to soak in a bath for 10 to 15 min max. 4/5 times per day. Eat regularly and take benefiber (or any other stool softener) to prepare for a "smooth" bowel movement. However, it is painful to sit down and to walk. I have not been bleeding but I do have a swollen "ball" that looks like a hemorrhoid. I have called the doctor twice about it and she says it's normal. I just don't understand how this can be normal. I got 3 stitches and I can't even see them. I am missing work this Monday and Tuesday and I don't even think I will be able to make it to work tomorrow Wednesday. I dint see any improvement. I finally had a bowel movement this morning and I did bleed and it hurt so much, even having taken the norco beforehand. I am beginning to think that this is going to be a 2 week or more healing process. I wish the doctors would not mislead people I to saying g that this is a quick surgery and that you will be back doing your normal things in 3/4 days.

[Helena5]

Hi ,
Hope you are feeling better and fully recovered now.
After reading all the horror stories on here I thought I would post my experience to try to reassure people it is not always so bad ?
I had a sigmoid colonoscopy and four fairly large (about 1.5 inch long) skin tags removed under general anaesthetic (GA)  on Friday .
I ate normally prior to the op, except nil by mouth after midnight in preparation for the GA. On arrival at the hospital I was given a phosphate enema to make the endoscopy easier.
My anaesthesia was midazolam, propofol, fentanyl (an opioid) and I was given ondansetron as an anti-emetic. I went under in about 5 secs after injection of the anaesthetic into the back of my hand and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. Apparently I was in theatre for about 30 mins. After recovery I was taken back to the ward and vital signs monitored for the next few hours (normal procedure after a GA). By mid afternoon I was watching TV and managed to drink enough to pass urine and get the needle removed from the back of my hand. An hour later I had a light meal, a wash and freshen up and got back into day clothes. A friend came to collect me about 6pm in the evening to take me home again.
I was advised to take it easy for at least 2 days, no drinking alcohol, no driving. I was advised to drink plenty of water, 15 ml lactulose (stool softener) per day for a couple of days and to take paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief if needed (no codeine because it can cause constipation).
So.. Post op recovery.. Friday evening fine ..ate a light supper and slept fine .. No pain at all. Saturday ate lightly again..some cereal , soup, fish and vegetables and tea and coffee.. No pain at all. But noticed light bleeding each time I went to urinate .. So was wearing a sanitary pad to protect underclothing. Sunday ..first bowel movement .. Hallelujah ! No pain .. The lactulose had done it's job and everything was soft, so no straining. Yes .. I was still bleeding slightly ..but such a relief.
It is now Sunday afternoon .. 48 hours post surgery and I feel good enough to potter around and apart from a little discomfort down there everything else is ok.
Because of what I read on here before surgery . I got my doc to sign me off work for 3 days "just in case" but if I'm honest I probably could go back to work on Monday if I had to. I hope this reassures people that it is not always as bad as others have posted and that like me you may find everything is as straightforward as the doctors and nurses tell you.

[yakato]

I am getting mine skin tag done soon, i am very nervous, how do you feel now? is it worth it ? please let me know, after all these stories, i am scared. thank you

[yakato]

Hi there:
    would you mind telling me how much did it cost you ? thank you very much.

[Chrissybabe1973]

I must say that if your in pain from anal fissures, anal tags or tight anus GO GET IT FIXED! The pain of suffering from the symptoms for years (in my case) is not worth it. I don't have to tell you how unbearable the pain is to have a BM. TORTURE. And embarrassing, sure.... I had hysterectomy, rectocele, sphinchtorotomy AND 3 large anal tags removed all at once, and my opinion of these comments are that people are pussies and drama queens. Obviously only the cases with complications commenting. The surgery is a big OW but to be honest, the sphinchtorotomy worked because I don't feel the torturous burn of the anal fissures, but there is anal weeping and that's a drag. Take your meds, don't eat a steak after, rest. Yes I'm in pain, no it's not even close to the pain of anal fissures,tags and pooping pencil like poops in agony. GO DO IT.
Believe me, don't believe the hype. Wanna be pain free eventually. Or just keep torturing yourself.... Your choice...

[HarodsCouch]

First of all, reading through these, I just laughed harder than I've laughed in months.  I know these aren't meant to be funny, but honestly, it's good to keep a sense of humor and clearly some of you have.  I mean look at what we're talking about, here.

So, I had my skin tag removed five days ago by my dermatologist.  It was something I'd put off for two years, partly out of embarrassment and partly out of fear of the surgery.  What I didn't consider was the recovery.  It's been one of the more involved recoveries of my life, honestly.

I thought I'd share my routine here for those who may be looking for a advice on recovery from this "minor" surgery.

So here's my routine:

I was prescribed Vicodin and an anesthetic cream. If you have this done, I would highly advise getting both a painkiller prescription and a topical anesthetic cream (EMLA.)

Generally - I take Metamucil or similar to promote smooth, easy bowel movements, and drink lots of water every day.  

I put the cream on 30 minutes before having a bowel movement, which I take in the morning before showering (I wake up around 7, immediately drink 24 ounces water ( ~ 3 glasses, add Metamucil to one glass) wait 45 minutes; about 7:45 have two cups strong coffee and apply cream, wait 15 minutes; around 8 eat a banana, wait 15 minutes and by then I'm literally ready to go.)  If you wake earlier just adjust this.  I see blood when I go, and it is mildly painful even with the cream applied (which doc said is normal.)  I go in one quick push, I don't sit and strain or wait for more. I use soft baby wipes to clean, which sting slightly but are mostly soothing, and do a better job of getting the blood and mess - no TP, it's too rough and painful.  I don't wipe excessively, because ... I then immediately hop in the shower, rinse thoroughly, use Dove bar soap and Gently but thoroughly wash all around the area; when I get out, I use a blow dryer on *Cool to fully dry the area, then apply more cream if needed for pain.  With or without cream, either way I put Vaseline thickly on to promote healing and prevent infection (if used with the cream it also helps keep it from running.)  I use gauze pads, folded in the crotch of my underwear, to catch any blood or liquid, and I wear dark underwear and dark jeans (really) because yes, there is some staining, despite best efforts.  (I am a male and I honestly considered buying some "pads" or even diapers - but I did not, ultimately, and it was OK.)  After getting home from work / in evening, I immediately shower again and clean the area, dry with blow dryer, re-apply cream and/or Vaseline, put in fresh gauze with fresh underwear.  Around 8pm I take a Vicodin to help me sleep and prevent the pain from waking me in the middle of the night (for me it takes about 3.5 hrs to full effect, so perfect for 11:30ish bedtime -- I only take 1 Vicodin per day but you could also take one in the morning and afternoon IF you don't need to work.)  Just before bed I use baby wipes to gently clean the area and then I put on fresh cream and/or Vaseline.

This has worked pretty well for me.  YES it is still painful; mostly it feels like a a dull needle is stuck in my *** and has an odd itch-ache feeling, other muscles around also ache somewhat (and guys, forget about getting It up while you recover, even peeing produces a weird sensation.)  YES it will take at least 2 weeks to heal.  YES I bleed when having my morning bowel movement - but less each day.  (The first two days it was a lot, and I learned quickly not to strain or try to force it - that is the important part.)  YES it still stings from time to time, sometimes extremely sharp, but the Vaseline really, really helps with that.

Good luck!  Hope this is helpful to some people.

[DuckyDiz]

Hey there, I had two peri-anal skin tags removed this afternoon with a local anesthetic (that didn't totally numb, but oh well). It has been six hours. For about 3-4 of those hours, I was in excruciating, burning pain. I iced the area and took a dose of Naproxen Sodium and it is bearable. My doc didn't prescribe anything and told me there was nothing special I had to do, just keep it clean. After reading these, I am wondering if there are specific care instructions to follow. Please share any post-op instructions you think might help me - I saw stool softener and baths above... anything else?

[Preciousflower]

Did you have the skin tag removed 2yrs ago? I am in the situation you were 2yrs ag. I am now looking at having a skin tag removed but not sure if the benefits outway the physical embarrassment of having anal tag. What do you think? Would you have surgery again if needed? Or live with the skin tag? thanks

[Preciousflower]

Did you have the skin tag removed 2yrs ago? I am in the situation you were 2yrs ag. I am now looking at having a skin tag removed but not sure if the benefits outway the physical embarrassment of having anal tag. What do you think? Would you have surgery again if needed? Or live with the skin tag? thanks