Pilonidal Sinus (Tavistock Hospital)
Date issued: November 2024
For review: November 2026
Ref: A-659/TA/Colorectal/Pilonidal Sinus
PDF: Pilonidal Sinus (Tavistock Hospital) [pdf] 205KB
Rest and Activity
When you go home you are advised to rest quietly. Do not fulfil any social engagements on that day or for 24 hours. You should not be left alone without another adult in attendance to assist you in case of emergencies. It is probable you will not feel like doing more than minimal activities for a few days. If you are still sore, tired or lethargic you should continue to rest until you feel better.
Pain
It is normal to experience wound discomfort after your operation. You will find that a painkiller taken at regular intervals will help you during this time. The anaesthetist and surgeon will prescribe pain relief tablets to take home with you. The nurse looking after you will issue you with these before you are discharged. Any further medication that you normally take may be resumed following the operation unless the doctor has advised you differently. If the pain persists or gets worse, you should contact your GP.
Care of the wound site: Direct closure
The wound can be closed directly and then a thick, pressure dressing is applied to prevent bleeding or bruising, this pressure dressing may be removed at home after 48 hours. If there is any fresh bleeding through the dressing when you go home, apply pressure over the wound until it stops. The dressing will need to be changed if it becomes soaked in blood. If the bleeding continues contact the hospital.
Care of the wound site: packed dressing
Alternatively, the wound could be packed with a calcium alginate and gauze. In this case, the wound will need to be re-packed every day. This can be done at your local G.P. surgery during the week. You will need to ring the G.P. surgery to make an appointment to see the practice nurse every day. During the weekend it can be dressed at a Minor Injuries Unit local to you.
Hygiene
It is advised not to get your wound dressing wet at any time. If you are having your wound packed every day, please discuss with your nurse when it would be best for you to have a shower, as they may prefer you to shower before your appointment, prior to having the wound re-dressed. If the wound has been directly closed and you get the dressing wet, it will need to be changed. The discharging nurse will explain what your wound can be redressed with.
Problems
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If non-urgent problems occur in the first 72 hours and you need information or advice: Please ring Tavistock Hospital on 01752 436100
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Out of hours: Contact NHS 111
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After 72 Hours: Contact your own G.P. or 111
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If you notice any signs of infection, such as, redness, swelling, heat, odorous discharge, or pain, please contact your G.P. If you do develop an infection within two weeks of your surgery, please let us know by calling 01752 436104.
In an emergency
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
