Pilonidal Cyst Surgery Recovery
Recovery
How long does it take to recover from pilonidal cyst surgery?
After surgery, your physician might choose to leave the wound open or close it with stitches. The use of stitches may help you heal faster, but there’s a higher chance that your cyst will recur.
The amount of time it takes for you to recover depends on how your surgery was done and if you received stitches. In general, it’ll probably take anywhere from one to three months to completely heal.
Most people can resume their regular activities two to four weeks after surgery.
You may experience some pain or tenderness during the recovery process. This can be managed by:
. Taking pain medications prescribed by your doctor
. Avoiding strenuous activities
. Using a donut cushion to sit on
. Not sitting for long periods of time on hard surfaces
Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to keep your wound clean. Follow these directions carefully to avoid an infection or recurrence.
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to complete the full course, even if you start to feel better before they’re finished.
Call your healthcare provider if you experience:
. A fever
. Pus draining from your incision
. Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness near the incision
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Pilonidal Cystectomy Surgery Recovery
The timeline for healing after pilonidal cystectomy varies based on how the surgery was performed. If your wound was stitched closed, complete healing usually takes four weeks, while wounds left open to drain can takes months to completely heal.
Most people can return to work in two to four weeks after surgery, however, it is advised to avoid strenuous exercise and activity until the area is completely healed. You will likely need several follow-up appointments.
Do not drive the first 24 hours after surgery and while you are taking narcotic medication. In general, you can drive once you feel comfortable sitting in the driver’s seat and using the brake and gas pedal. The timeline for this varies depending on your individual circumstances.
There is a high rate of pilonidal cyst recurrence. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure complete healing.
Healing
The first few days after pilonidal cystectomy can be uncomfortable. Since the wound is by your tailbone, it may be difficult to sit or find a comfortable position. Sitting on a soft pillow or donut seat may bring relief.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) should help ease the discomfort. If not, your doctor may prescribe pain medicine to take on a short-term basis.
It is very important to keep the wound clean and dry until the skin is fully healed. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for the wound, including changing the packing and dressing, and bathing. Pat the area dry after showers, but avoid taking baths until the wound is healed over.
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Lifestyle Adjustments
Once the site is healed, it is important to keep the skin in the buttocks crease clean and free from hair. Young men may need to shave, wax, or use hair removal cream every two to three weeks until the hair shafts begin to soften and thin out around age 30.
If you prefer a more permanent solution, laser hair removal or electrolysis may be a better option. A small study of 60 patients found post-surgical laser hair removal significantly reduces the risk of recurring pilonidal disease.
People who have jobs that require sitting for long periods of time, such as truck drivers, are at increased risk of recurrence. If you have a desk job, consider switching to a standing desk or setting an alarm to stand up and stretch your legs several times throughout your shift.
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Pilonidal Cyst Incision and Drainage Surgery Recovery and Aftercare
Wound/Dressing Care
- You have gauze which is packed internally into your wound. You also have multiple layers outside this gauze. Please keep this dressing until the following day.
- If you need to use the bathroom to have a bowel movement (BM), or if the dressings become soiled, you can remove the dressings on the day of surgery.
° Remember to start Sitz baths after you use the bathroom.
° Just replace the external dressing, not the internal packing.
° You can replace external dressings daily or twice a day
- Follow up in clinic in 1 week.
- You also have sutures that must be removed two-three weeks after surgery. Come to the clinic for this.
° Sitz bath the area after every BM
° You may use either warm tap water or mix Epsom salts into it as well (your choice).
° You will likely need to do this for two weeks and then as needed.
- To help support the area, we recommend sitting on a soft pillow.
° A circular hemorrhoid pillow is OK to use around the pilonidal excision site.
Showering/Baths
- You can shower the day after surgery. Just place a dry dressing to the area after your shower. It is OK to get the area wet, but no soaking of the wound.
- No swimming or baths for three weeks after the procedure.
- After certain procedures, it is OK to soak in a tub of water to reduce swelling and pain, but discuss this with us first before trying.
Medications
- Take your pain medication as needed.
- If your pain is less severe, you can take ibuprofen (over the counter, such as Motrin or Advil) instead of your narcotic pain medication as needed.
- You can also take acetaminophen (over the counter, such as Tylenol) instead of your narcotic pain medication, but do not take both Tylenol and your narcotic pain medication because your narcotic contains Tylenol as well.
- If you have any unusual symptoms such as rashes, itchiness or diarrhea, please discontinue the medication and call our office or your medical doctor.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Discomfort
- GI discomfort and nausea are not unusual with pain medication and antibiotics, but please call if you are not able to drink or eat by the night of surgery.
- Constipation is also common with the use of narcotics. Remember to take your Colace daily until you stop using narcotics. If you feel that you are becoming constipated, you can take 17 grams of Miralax or milk of magnesium (available over the counter). You can also take prune juice to help with your constipation.
- Typically, patients will have urinated prior to leaving the hospital. If you find it difficult to urinate when you are at home by the evening hours, try taking your pain medication, and then 15 minutes afterwards when the pain medication is working, try taking a hot shower and then attempt to urinate. If this does not work, please call us or simply go to Emergency Room. This is true for patients with or without a history of prostate disease or bladder problems.
Post-Operative Emergencies & Concerns
- Heart, Lung, and Calf Problems: If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or significant calf pain, you must go to the nearest Emergency Room.
- Bleeding or Drainage: Some bleeding and drainage is expected. If the bandage becomes stained, remove the dressing and replace it with new gauze and monitor the bleeding. If you think that the drainage is excessive, call the office or go to nearest Emergency Room.
- Fever: If you have a temperature greater than 101˚°F on more than one reading 48 hours or more after surgery, call the office or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
- Unrelenting pain: Many anorectal procedures are painful after surgery, but the pain steadily decreases over time with the worse pain within the first three (3) days of surgery. If the pain increases, if you have fevers or chills, or have excess perianal drainage, call the office or physician line after hours.
Diet & Activity Restrictions
- Driving: You can drive when you are comfortable using the brake and gas pedal and you are off all narcotic pain medication. Do not drive under the influence of narcotic medication.
- Sexual Activity: No anorectal or vaginal intercourse until the area is fully healed, generally 1-2 months, but can be up to 3 months.
- Physical Activity: Avoid vigorous exercise for the first two weeks, especially avoiding squats and heavy lifting which can stretch the anorectal area.
- Diet: Avoid greasy foods and spicy foods for the first week. Spicy foods may cause perianal discomfort. A diet high in fiber is recommended.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best Surgeons in Iran. The price of a Pilonidal Cyst surgery in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined based on photos, the type of surgery you undergo and an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of Pilonidal Cyst Surgery in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
Sources:
. https://www.verywellhealth.com/treatment-for-pilonidal-cyst-1124172
I am going to have surgery to get rid of my pilonidal cyst. Do I need to lie down for a while after surgery because I’m on a sports team here in Dehli?
Namaste, dear Patel, heavy activities after pilonidal cyst surgery are not recommended. You must not exercise, work out, and jog for three weeks. If you have a sutured wound, you have to be very careful when you bend, sit, and go to the bathroom. Apply soft gauze or a hygienic napkin to the wound. Since you are young and an athlete there is a chance to get well soon, but before anything take this up with your physician.