Atlantic Medical Group Colorectal Surgery at Rockaway

The medical team at Atlantic Medical Group Colorectal Surgery at Morristown wants to have as much information about your illness as possible before your initial visit. If you have any medical reports or X-rays at home, please mail them to us or bring them with you. You can also have your information mailed directly to our office.

During the initial visit you will be asked about the medications you have taken in the past and what you are presently taking. We will get a full medical history and perform a physical exam. The surgeon may also perform a rectal exam on you. We are aware that the rectum and anus may be sore in most patients, but we still need to confirm that the strength of the anal sphincter is sufficient to carry some operations.

Most patients coming to see a surgeon have already seen other physicians and given various opinions. This leads to many questions. Please write them down and feel free to ask them in this initial visit. After every question has been addressed, and you have elected to have us medically treat you, you may be asked to sign consent for surgery.

Patients who are being treated by the medical team at Atlantic Medical Group Colorectal Surgery at Morristown will need to undergo special preparation before surgery. All patients will be required to abstain from eating or drinking anything after midnight of the day before surgery. This is a very strict rule set by anesthesiologists for your own safety. Some preparation that may be needed:

Pre-op health optimization

A pre-operative visit with your primary care physician tells us that you are healthy for surgery. This is obtained from your primary care physician. You will need to contact your primary care physician for him or her to send a letter of medical clearance to our office. In some cases, you may also need a letter of clearance from your cardiologist.

View our Patients’ Responsibility on Reducing Surgical Morbidity and Mortality

Pre-operative testing

These tests usually consist of some blood work and possibly an electrocardiogram. These tests can be done at our pre-procedural testing center located at 435 South Street. An appointment is required at this center and you will be given a prescription needed for the tests and the number to call to schedule this appointment.

See preoperative testing instructions >

Full bowel preparation

Patients who are having bowel surgery will need to undergo a bowel prep prior to surgery (this is similar to the prep you have before a colonoscopy).

Doctor’s note: To facilitate the recovery from surgery, it is best to optimize your health and fitness. This includes:

• Smoking cessation
• Abstinence from any type of recreational drugs or alcohol or other substances
• A healthy diet and exercise is highly recommended, especially for patients with an excess of body weight.

When you leave the hospital, the medical team at Atlantic Medical Group Colorectal Surgery at Morristown will provide you with specific instructions related to your surgery. You may be given a special diet to follow for a short time. While you are recovering at home, we recommend the following tips to a healthy, fast, safe recovery.

Home care

• Avoid strenuous activity for one to two days after your procedure
• Take sitz baths (sit for 10 minutes in about three inches of warm water) at least three times a day and after each bowel movement
• Don’t worry if you have some bleeding, discharge, or itching during your recovery. This is normal.
• Avoid constipation. Use a laxative or stool softeners, such as Colace®, 100mg by mouth twice daily
• Drink one tablespoon of mineral oil at bedtime
• Eat more high-fiber foods
• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise
• Spend less time sitting on the toilet
• Avoid straining with bowel movements. Straining increases pressure and irritation, which can lead to pain and swelling
• Sexual activity as tolerated. If it starts to hurt — stop

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

• A fever above 100.5°F
• A large amount of drainage or bleeding
• Trouble urinating
• No bowel movements for more than 48 hours