“Patients who undergo pilonidal surgery for the removal of the pilonidal sinus must be very careful. The healing after the cyst removal surgery is slow and gradual. Complete recovery will depend upon a lot of things. Here we guide you about the complications of the condition and what is the best way to recover completely.” 

Read through a handy list of do’s and don’ts that Allen Kamrava MD, MBA, a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, advises to his patients for a quick and complete recovery from the challenging surgery. 

The pimple growth in between the clefts of the buttocks has a high tendency of resurfacing again and again. Every time it comes back with more painful symptoms. Pilonidal surgery is the only treatment available for chronic and severe pilonidal cysts. But undergoing the surgery is not easy. It will require careful planning and exceptionally watchful aftercare to avoid any complications from pilonidal cyst surgery. 

What Is A Complicated Pilonidal Sinus?

The pilonidal cyst typically occurs in teens and young adults with heavy hair growth on the body. But if the hair gets trapped within the follicle, the area swells up and becomes painful. The infection inside the follicle complicates matters, leading to the formation of a cyst. Pit picking and draining the cyst offers relief in newly developed cysts. But there are high chances of relapse. Also, the infection can spread to nearby follicles or move deeper within to infect the skin and sinus area.

Pilonidal Cyst Removal Surgery

The cyst removal surgery will remove the unwanted growth from your rear side. There are many methods available for the same. Incision and drainage is for the small and concentrated cyst. But if the infection is widespread, the surgeon will dig deeper into the skin to scrape off the entire infected skin tissue. The choice is between open wound and close wound surgery. Both have their own pros and cons. To reduce the chances of recurrence after surgery, certain post-operative guidelines are to be followed. These include:

1. Follow Instructions

The surgeon’s instructions must be followed completely. As the choice for the type of surgery is case-specific, the after-care instructions are also personalized. The instructions for wound care, change of dressing, and coping strategies will be different for different patients. So adhere to the guidelines diligently.

2. Cleaning And Wound Care

Proper hygiene is a must for proper recovery.  Do not let a subsequent infection lead to a relapse of the cyst. Do not take long baths. Instead, take a quick shower and pat dry it completely. 

3. Proper Dressing 

The wound care is different for open and closed wound pilonidal cyst removal, so follow the doctor’s instruction manual. As directed by the surgeon, change the dressing periodically. For open wounds, pack the wound with sterile gauze. 

4. Be Aware Of Risk Points

After the initial pain and discomfort, the patient will begin to feel better. But the risk of infection is high. If the discomfort persists or there is redness, swelling, or foul-smelling discharge from the close wound site, consult with your doctor immediately. Fever after surgery is not a healthy sign. Seek early intervention to avoid complications.

5. Follow Medication Routine

Medications will play a crucial role in recovery. Pain management pills and antibiotics are the two classes of drugs that are used for recovery after pilonidal surgery. Take them as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip antibiotics as the infection can resurface again. Also, pain management is important for stress-free healing. 

6. Practice Good Hygiene

Overall hygiene is very important. Keep the whole body clean. Wear clean and sterilized undergarments to avoid the risk of infection. Do not wear tight fitted clothes. As they rub against the wound, the friction and pressure will reverse healing. 

7. Avoid Strenuous Activity

Light movement is encouraged after surgery. It is good for blood circulation and supports the healing process. But strenuous activities must be strictly avoided. It can irritate the healing skin tissue and break open the sutures. Sweating during exercise increases the risk of infection. So take note of your exercise pattern and gradually get back to normal daily chores and physical activity.

8. Sit Carefully

How to sit after a pilonidal cyst removal surgery? This is the most debated point. As the sitting posture and duration put direct pressure on the wound site, so make sure you sit carefully. Your surgeon will guide you about the correct sitting posture depending upon the type of surgery performed. Always use a coccyx pillow and do not sit for extended hours. In the initial few days after surgery, make sure you stay in the lie-down position for a maximum part of the day. 

Keep Up With The Follow-Up Appointments

Every pilonidal surgery will require a follow-up assessment. These appointments are pre-scheduled depending on the type of surgery. Make sure you do not skip any of these scheduled visits. As the cyst is on the rear side of the body, it is difficult to monitor it alone. The doctor will closely assess the wound and make sure it is on the path to recovery. Complications, if any, can also be addressed immediately. 

Good Food And Healthy Diet

Eating habits have a direct influence on health. Eat healthy food with lots of fiber. Drink lots of water but avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Final Thoughts

A pilonidal cyst can make life difficult. Any kind of complications arising after a surgical removal can be hard to deal with. So make sure you seek treatment from an expert colorectal surgeon. Dr. Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA is the best in the field. His extensive knowledge helps in deciding the best course of action. A handy self-care manual is made available after the surgery. This enlists clear instructions about do’s and don’ts for the type of surgery performed.