Postoperative drainage management
If you have undergone a Pilonidal Sinus surgery, we offer below a series of postoperative management tips for a quick recovery.
how to MANAGE DRAINAGE after surgery?
* The drainage has the function of evacuating the fluid that is produced after surgery, and prevent it from accumulating in the wound. When it accumulates, it greatly increases the risk of skin opening and even wound infection.
* The drain is a tube that connects to a “pear” shaped container, which must maintain suction pressure.
* Before handling the drainage you should wash your hands with soap.
* Once a day you should write down the volume contained in the “pear” and empty it afterwards. To empty it:
- First open the “pear” cover.
- Note the date, time and amount of drainage.
- Empties the “pear” in the toilet
- Crumple the “pear” completely and, while it is crumpled, put the cover in place
* Once a day, after showering, you will change the wound gauze.
* The main problems associated with drainage have to do with loss of vacuum (suction pressure) and with obstruction of the drain. It is therefore important to rule out both problems on a daily basis:
- Each day confirm that the “pear” is wrinkled. If it is not, it may be because it has been completely filled (drain too full), or because it has lost its vacuum. In the first case, the “pear” will need to be emptied more often (at least twice a day) to prevent it from becoming too full again. In the second case, you should check the tube and confirm that it is correctly connected to the “pear” and confirm that the “pear” has the cap on. If that is correct, it is possible that the drain has come out slightly and we will have to check it in the office.
- Crush the drainage tube from near its insertion to the skin, and run along the tube crushing it all the time until you reach the “pear” (this is easier with wet fingers), while with the other hand we firmly hold the drain next to the skin so that it does not come out of its place. With this maneuver we will avoid clot obstruction.
* Once the drain barely draws any content, less than 20cc per day for two days in a row, and it is confirmed that it maintains the vacuum and is not obstructed, it can be removed. This usually occurs within 4-7 days of surgery.
* After removal of the drain, it may leak a little for 2-3 days. It is not a cause for concern as long as it is a clear orange or transparent liquid. If it is white and pus-like, it should be seen in consultation.
how to treat the wound after the operation?
Your recovery
If you have had surgery and a pilonidal cyst removed, how long it will take to heal depends on how the operation was performed. If the cut (incision) was closed with stitches, it will probably take about 4 weeks to heal completely. If the incision was left open, it may take a few weeks to several months to heal. Once the incision has healed, you will have a scar where the cyst was removed. This scar will fade and soften over time.
Most people can return to work and most activities after 2 to 4 weeks. Until it has healed completely, you should avoid strenuous exercise and activities that require long periods of sitting.
The following recommendations will give you a general idea of how long it will take you to recover, although everyone recovers at a different pace.
How can you take care of yourself at home?
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
- Try to walk every day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Gradually increase the amount you walk. Walking increases blood flow, healing and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
- Shower as usual. When you finish, dry the incision area with a hair dryer. If you do so with a towel, do not rub the wound, but just lay it gently on the wound.
- Avoid baths until the wound is completely healed. Keep the area dry and clean.
- Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or sitting on hard surfaces until the incision has healed.
Diet
Eat a diet rich in protein and fiber. If you have stomach upset, try bland, low-fat foods, such as plain rice, grilled chicken, toast and yogurt.
Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
Medications
Your doctor will tell you if and when you can start taking your medications again, as well as give you instructions on taking any new medications.
– If you take aspirin or any other anticoagulant, ask your doctor if and when you can start taking it again.
– Take pain medications exactly as directed.
-If the surgeon has prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed and do not stop taking them because you feel better, you must take the full course of treatment.
– If you think your pain medication is upsetting your stomach:
*Take the medicine after meals.
*Ask your doctor to prescribe another pain reliever.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Pilonidal Sinus (SP)
- Reddening of the skin
- Pain
- Presence of pus or blood in an opening of the skin.
- Unpleasant odor of oozing pus.
This pathology should be treated by a specialist in coloproctology, which is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus.
As we know, the pilonidal cyst is located in the region above the intergluteal fold, an area of treatment for this specialist.
