PILONIDAL-CYST REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of a pilonidal cyst, a cyst that contains elements found in the skin, including hair, sweat and glands.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Area over the tailbone.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Relief of pain and prevention of the spread of infection.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleeping pills; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or proctologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, outpatient surgical facility, doctor's office.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; sigmoidoscopy (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood tests.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A variety of surgical treatments are available. One type is described here.
• The cyst and its cavities (also called sinuses) over the tailbone are identified with probes. An incision is made around the cyst.
• The cyst and all affected sinuses are removed.
• Bleeding is controlled with sutures or electrocauterization.
• The skin is usually left open to heal from the bottom out.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Slow healing.
• Recurrence of cyst.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 4 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2 months for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Take warm baths to relieve discomfort. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily for the first week after surgery.
• Don't dry the surgical area with a towel. Drip dry or use a blow dryer after bathing.
• Sit on a rubber ring (available in drugstores) to relieve discomfort, if necessary.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 1 week after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.