From the Research
The recovery time for pilonidal cyst surgery can be as short as 23.8 days with the use of closed incision negative pressure therapy, as seen in the most recent and highest quality study. This study, published in 2021 1, compared primary midline closure with and without closed incision negative pressure therapy after pilonidal cyst excision, and found that the use of negative pressure therapy significantly reduced the healing time.
Key Points to Consider
- The healing time for pilonidal cyst surgery can vary depending on the surgical technique used, with open excision wounds taking longer to heal than closed excision techniques.
- The use of closed incision negative pressure therapy can significantly reduce the healing time, as seen in the study published in 2021 1.
- Patients should keep the surgical area clean by showering daily and changing dressings as instructed by their surgeon, typically 1-3 times daily.
- Pain management usually involves over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, though prescription pain medications may be provided for the first few days.
- Most patients can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks but should avoid sitting directly on the surgical site and strenuous activities for 3-4 weeks.
Factors Affecting Healing Time
- The sacrococcygeal region has limited blood supply and experiences constant movement and pressure, which can slow healing.
- Following post-operative care instructions carefully helps prevent complications and recurrence, which affects approximately 20% of patients.
- The study published in 2019 2 found that minimal surgical procedures, such as the Gips procedure or sinusectomy, may be more appropriate as first-line treatment than radical excision due to faster recovery and patient preference, with acceptable recurrence rates.
Recommendations
- The use of closed incision negative pressure therapy should be considered for patients undergoing pilonidal cyst surgery, as it can significantly reduce the healing time.
- Patients should follow post-operative care instructions carefully to prevent complications and recurrence.
- The choice of surgical technique should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and preferences.