Pilonidal Cystectomy

Your child is scheduled to have a pilonidal cyst removed. In most cases the majority of the wound is left open to heal in gradually. Caring for this open wound properly is essential for wound healing and to decrease the recurrence of the cyst. Because of the difficulty in seeing the wound, it is best to have assistance from a parent or sympathetic friend in changing the dressing. After surgery, take it easy for the rest of the day

Pain Control:

  • Expect to have pain at the surgery site anywhere from 1-2 weeks following surgery
  • You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Follow the directions given by Dr. Stovroff for taking this medication. To avoid upset stomach, take your pain medication as prescribed with food in your stomach.
  • When you are reaching the end of your pain mediation prescription, switch to Motrin or Advil for pain control
  • Take these medications exactly as directed. Never take more than the recommended dose, and do not take the medications more often than directed.

Avoid Constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise instructed.
  • If instructed, use a fiber supplement and/or stool softener once a day.

Wound Care:

  • For comfort, take pain medication prior to dressing change. The basic principle is to shower the wound once or twice a day and reinsert a fresh gauze in the wound after each shower or bath.
  • Leave the dressing from surgery in place until the day after surgery
  • The morning after surgery, remove the tape and outer dressing from the wound, get in the shower and allow the rest of the dressing that is packed in the wound to be soaked with water and then gently pull it out. Unfortunately, this does hurt.
  • When the dressing is removed you may see a small amount of bleeding or yellow discharge. This is normal.
  • Vigorously irrigate your wound in the shower for 5-10 minutes, using a hand held shower head if you have one. Aim shower head directly at the wound. Bending forward helps open the wound. Let the water clean the area thoroughly.
  • Wrap a thin, clean wash cloth or 4×4 plain cotton gauze around your finger and clean gently, but thoroughly, the inner surface of the wound, removing any surface covering to expose clean, healthy pink tissue. Don’t scrub.
  • After shower, pat the skin around the wound edges dry.
  • The repacking of the wound is what usually requires help from another person. Wash hands. You may use gloves, but this is not necessary.
  • Moisten a fresh, 4×4 inch plain cotton gauze with tap water. Squeeze out excess water. The dressing should be damp, not dripping wet. If Dr. Stovroff has prescribed Flagyl ointment, place a thin coating on gauze.
  • Pack the wound gently but not tightly with the moist gauze. Use a q-tip or your finger to ensure that the gauze reaches the bottom of the wound and place it so that all inner wound surfaces are in contact with the moist gauze.
  • Cover with dry out dressing and secure with tape or elastic bandage.
  • As your wound heals, it will close from the bottom and sides, and you will need less gauze to pack it.

When to call the office:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Increasing pain
  • Increased redness or drainage of the incision
  • Fever of 100.5 degrees or higher

If you have any questions call the office at 404-252-7900 to speak with one of our staff members. If it is after hours and your child is having a problem call our office and you will be directed to our answering service who can page Dr. Stovroff.

Follow up appointments are essential to ensure the wound is healing normally. Your first follow up appointment should be made 7-10 days after surgery. You will need to call the office to set up this appointment.

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