Pilonidal cyst excision is the primary option for people who visit a surgeon with a complaint of an infected cyst. They cannot be treated with any medicine like painkillers or antibiotics but need to remove the cyst for permanent relief. Therefore today, we shall explore the surgical procedure and management taken after having undergone Pilonidal Cyst surgery.
List of Surgical Approaches to Pilonidal Cyst Excision
- Incision and Drainage (I&D): The first line of treatment for infected pilonidal cysts is I&D . A small cut is made to allow the pus to be released and reduce the pressure. Although I&D can be effective in giving relief from the itching and pain associated with the cyst it may not be a cure in warding off cysts as there are tendencies of its reappearance. To check out precisely, find the Pilonidal Cyst Surgery Videos.
- Excision with Primary Closure: During this technique, the whole cyst is removed & the wound is then stitched or sewn shut. This approach has the advantage of providing a shorter recovery time than the open method since it allows the wound to be closed at once but it exposes the wound to repeat infections. You can check it with the Pilonidal Cyst Surgery Video.
- Excision with Secondary Intention Healing: In occasional cases where the cyst is larger, or where the cyst is extremely infected, the surgeon may elect to leave the wound open. This increases the chance of survival but takes longer to heal, and the after-surgery treatment is more vigilant.
- Flap Procedures: In cases where the cysts are recurrent the surgeon may need to perform a more involved surgery where tissue (flap) is relocated over the wound area to minimize tension and expedite the healing process.
The Surgical Process
Pilonidal cyst excision is normally done under local anesthesia but general anesthesia may be used when doing other procedures. During the procedure:
- The surgeon finds the cyst and incises.
- The cyst with the inflamed or infected tissue is then excised.
- By the end of the treatment given, the method selected depends on whether the wound is primarily closed or left to secondarily heal.
- The patient will also require a drainage tube because there is a tendency for fluid buildup in the lungs thereafter.
Post-Surgery Care Tips
It is crucial to follow the instructions from a doctor after surgery to avoid unwanted side-effects which include, infection or development of the tumor. Here are the key steps for taking care of yourself after pilonidal cyst excision:
Wound Care
If the wound is kept open it will require washing and cleaning often to help the healing process take its course. The patient will ask the surgeon how the wound is to be washed, often with a saline solution, and precisely how this wound will be treated in order not to get infected. Based on the list of instructions to follow, it is advised to adhere to its measures and always keep the place free from dampness. 
Signs of infection
Post-operative care involves particularly observing the wound or the area of surgery for increased redness, swelling or pus formation, and offensive odor. If you observe any of these symptoms, seek medical care from your doctor straight away.
Pain Management
As for other possible complications, the patient should be aware of assuming mild to moderate pain for the first few days after the surgery. Commonly, pain relievers can be bought without a prescription from a pharmacologist, but in some complicated cases, doctors may prescribe stronger drugs, for example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Another effective solution that should be helpful in this case is a warm compress.
Limit Physical Activity
For the first few weeks, certain activities are advised against because of the pressure they place on the lower back and buttocks, sitting, cycling, or lifting. It is advised, however, to just take short walks in order to avoid the development of stiffness throughout the body.
Hair Removal
Of all the factors, the main cause of reinfection or relapse is the regrowth of hair in the region. To avoid this, your healthcare provider may advise that you shave, wax, or undergo laser treatment to remove hair in that area so that ingrown hair may not form.
Follow-up Appointments
The patient has to go to all the follow-up appointments with the surgeon to check the progress of healing; or if there is any complication resulting from handling the disability that has arisen. If sutures were placed they will most possibly need to be removed in about 1-2 weeks.
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Maintain Good Hygiene
Keep the area clean and dry. Showering is normally possible after several days but one has to ensure that it is powdered gently after. Do not take a bath or swim until the cut has healed up completely.
Wrapping Up
Surgical removal of pilonidal cysts is usually used to treat chronic pilonidal cysts or ones that have been infected. The surgery can offer long-lasting relief once carried out but there are cardinal procedures to be followed to achieve the best outcomes and ease the general complications that may arise. By adhering to your surgeon’s advice, checking out their laser surgery pilonidal cyst removal video, and working assiduously in lowering your chances of a recurrence, it is possible to ensure good wound healing at the surgical site.
