What is the recommended diet post-operative for a patient with OASIS?

Following an obstetric anal sphincter injury, commonly referred to as OASIS, the recommended post-operative diet is often a low fiber, low residue diet. This approach helps manage bowel movements in the immediate recovery phase after surgery.

In the initial post-operative period, a low fiber, low residue diet is beneficial as it minimizes bulk in the stool, which can prevent straining during bowel movements. After surgery, the anal sphincter may be sensitive and in a healing phase, so reducing the workload on the bowel helps support proper healing and minimizes the risk of complications, such as pain or disruption of the surgical repair.

While high fiber diets are generally encouraged in the long term to promote regular bowel movements, in the early post-operative phase, introducing high-fiber foods might be counterproductive. Regular diets that include abundant fruits and vegetables could lead to increased stool bulk, potentially complicating recovery. Similarly, high protein diets, while beneficial for healing in some contexts, do not specifically address the immediate needs of the bowel management during the initial post-operative phase of OASIS. Therefore, a low fiber, low residue diet is recommended to best support healing and comfort.