Pilonidal Cyst Removal: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

You had surgery to remove a pilonidal (say "py-luh-NY-dul") cyst. How long it will take for you to heal depends on the way your surgery was done. Any scars will fade over time.

Most people can go back to work and their normal routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will let you know what to expect. Until you have completely healed, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and sitting for long periods of time.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be as active as you can. It can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.
• Shower as usual. Pat the area around your incision dry with a towel when you are done. Avoid baths until the wound is completely healed. Keep the area dry and clean.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Avoid sitting for a long time or sitting on hard surfaces while you are healing.
• Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It will depend on the type of surgery they had.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Your doctor may suggest a fiber supplement, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

Incision care

• If your incision was closed with stitches:
  • Wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
  • Keep the area clean and dry.
• If you have stitches, the doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• If your incision was left open to heal, change the bandage as instructed by your doctor.
  • Bandage changes may hurt at first. Taking pain medicine about half an hour before you change the bandage can help.
  • If your bandage sticks to your wound, try soaking the bandage in warm water for about 10 minutes before you remove it. You can do this in the shower or by placing a wet washcloth over it.
  • You may notice greenish gray fluid from your wound as you start to heal. This is normal. It is a sign that your wound is healing.

Other instructions

• Use a coccyx cushion if sitting is uncomfortable. This type of cushion keeps pressure off your tailbone (coccyx) while sitting.
• In some cases, keeping the area free of hair may prevent problems. Ask your doctor if you should remove hair from the area and what method of hair removal they suggest.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You are short of breath.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have nausea or vomiting and cannot keep down fluids.
• You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• Your incision was closed with stitches and the stitches come loose, or your incision comes open.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take your pain medicine.

Watch closely for changes in your health and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.