Surgery is the most commonly chosen technique for treating pilonidal cysts. Most commonly, the doctor recommends incision and drainage for your pilonidal cysts. Another surgical alternative is cystectomy, which removes the cyst fully. So, let us know more about the pilonidal cyst excision surgery.
Surgery for removing pilonidal cysts
The surgical process involves removing the cyst formed along your pilonidal sinus tracts. Although it is more complex than the drainage process, it will give you the desired result.
You need to go through the pilonidal cyst surgery under anesthesia. The overall duration of the process is around 45 minutes.
The pilonidal cyst excision process is of different types-
- Excision surgery with marsupialization- After conducting the excision, the surgeon will remove the roof of your cyst and suture the fibrous tissues.
- Local excision- The part that is removed reaches the fascia of your sacrum. The wound is then treated with medications, and it undergoes healing over time.
- Excision surgery with closure- In some cases, surgeons close the treated part after removing the sinus tracts and cysts. They also use a flap technique for a more complex process and close the wound surgically. Suturing the flap helps you with faster healing.
How long does it take to recover from pilonidal cyst excision surgery?
After a successful surgery, the surgeon will close the wound with stitches or keep it open. You need to wait for at least 3 months for a full recovery. Many patients resume their normal activities within 4 to 5 weeks after the surgery. The doctor will ask you to schedule follow-up appointments depending on whether you need to replace your packing materials. During follow-ups, the doctor may also remove sutures.
You may feel tenderness or pain during recovery. But, it is manageable by taking pain medications. You should also sit on the doughnut cushion and avoid doing any strenuous activities.
You will get more instructions from your doctor to treat the wound properly and avoid the risk of infection. You should call the doctor if you experience pus draining, fever, and increased pain.
Will the pilonidal cyst reappear?
Although you have undergone cyst excision surgery, pilonidal cysts may come back within 5 to 6 years. The recurrence risk for the excision depends on the type of surgery you have undergone. If there is a regrowth of hair near your incision, cysts will return.
You can now consult your doctor to know whether you need a pilonidal cyst excision surgery. The doctor will also instruct you on how to prevent the recurrence of the cyst. You need to wax or shave the hair in the part to avoid the condition in the future.
