The recovery time for anal fistula surgery depends on the complexity of the fistula and the cause of its occurrence, and cannot be generalized. If the fistula is simple, shallow, or caused by a perianal abscess, the condition is usually mild and recovery can be gradual in about 2 weeks after anal fistula incision and drainage or fistulotomy. If the fistula is caused by a systemic disease or characteristic infection, such as tuberculosis or ulcerative colitis, the recovery time is longer and may take several weeks or more. If the patient has a high fistula or complex anal fistula, one surgery does not completely solve the problem and may require multiple surgeries with a longer healing time, about 2-6 months, and some patients may even need to live with the fistula. The patient should try not to defecate for 24 hours after the surgery, and pay attention to perianal hygiene, and wash with warm water or Chinese herbal baths after the stool to reduce bacterial infection and promote wound healing.