Pilonidal Cyst Surgery Recovery – Things You Need Know

Introduction

The Pandemic has stimulated and increased the number of pilonidal cyst cases in India. People locked in their homes are spending most of their time sitting, which is the reason for the high incidence rate of pilonidal cyst. A pilonidal cyst is an infected abscess that occurs near the tailbone. If you have found out that you need surgery for your pilonidal cyst, you may have concerns regarding your recovery. Therefore, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a pilonidal cyst surgeon in Kolkata, highlights and answers essential questions about the pilonidal cyst surgery recovery process.

How long does it take to recover after Pilonidal Cyst?

According to pilonidal cyst surgery doctors in Kolkata, the time a patient needs to recover after surgery depends on the type of surgical treatment performed and whether the physician chooses to close the wound or leave it open. Generally, conventional pilonidal cyst surgery recovery takes between 1 to 3 months. In the case of pilonidal laser surgery, the recovery period significantly reduces. It takes about 30 to 70 days to recover after pilonidal laser surgery. After surgery, most people can resume their regular activities in about two to four weeks.

How painful is recovery from Pilonidal Cyst Surgery?

Pilonidal cyst surgery is not typically painful compared to other anal and rectum surgical procedures. However, some patients may experience pain. In such cases, doctors recommend pain medications. Patients can apply an ice pack to ease their pain. A warm pack can also be soothing.

How Do I Care for Wound After Surgery?

After surgery, patients leave the hospital with cotton gauze tucked into the surgical wound. A patient can leave the dressing for up to two days (or as advised by their doctor), as long as it is not oozing. Experts say it is essential to dress the wound periodically. Before putting on a new clean bandage, washing the wound with soap and water is essential. Change the bandages when they get dirty or wet.

Can I shower After My Pilonidal Sinus Surgery?

After a week or two, patients can take showers. If you have an open wound, showering helps wash debris and hair out of the wound and help the wound stay moist. A moist wound environment helps facilitate healing. However, in case of closed wounds, you must take care to keep the surgical site dry, says Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a pilonidal cyst specialist. Pat the wound dry after a shower.

Which food should I eat after Pilonidal Surgery?

Eating well and drinking water is paramount to having a normal bowel movement. The best pilonidal cysts surgeons in Kolkata, recommend patients include high-fibre foods in their diet to soften stools and avoid constipation. Fibre supplements and stool softeners can also facilitate bowel movements.

Additional Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Keep the surgery site free from hair – Young men under the age of 30 should wax, shave or use hair removal cream every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the surgery site free from hair.
2. Avoid sitting for long hours – Patients with jobs that demand them to sit for long hours should take breaks to stand up and stretch. A cushioned seat or donut seat can relieve patients who experience pain after pilonidal cyst surgery.