Pilondial Cyst Experience
Greetings. I am a 35-year-old woman in good health who underwent surgery for a pilonidal cyst with flap reconstruction on August 29. After the procedure, I had a drainage tube placed to facilitate the removal of fluids, which remained in place for a week. I was prescribed antibiotics for a five-day period. During my follow-up appointment, the doctor removed the drainage tube and some of the steri-strips, advising me to clean the site and let it air out. One week later, I noticed that the surgical area felt very firm and was quite painful. Upon my return visit, the doctor informed me that he would need to reopen the incision slightly due to some accumulated blood that needed to be drained. He prescribed another round of antibiotics for a week and instructed me to redress the wound twice daily while allowing it to air out at night. Currently, the area is still very hard, swollen, and leaking a yellowish-pink fluid that seems reminiscent of blood. I am concerned that there has been no improvement. I called the doctor's office for advice, but did not receive a direct response from him. Instead, the front desk informed me that what I’m experiencing is considered normal. Has anyone else gone through this? It feels as though I’m experiencing more leakage now than I did when the cyst was present.
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 10:01:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some postoperative challenges after your pilonidal cyst surgery. It’s understandable to feel concerned about the firmness, swelling, and discharge you've described, especially since it feels like there’s more leakage now than before the surgery.
Main Points:
- Postoperative Symptoms: Firmness, swelling, and discharge can be part of the healing process but also require careful monitoring.
- Potential Issues: Accumulation of fluid or blood can happen after surgery and may need to be properly managed.
- Next Steps: Focus on monitoring your symptoms, maintaining wound care, and seeking timely follow-up if symptoms worsen.
Explanation:
Following your surgery, some swelling and firmness can occur as part of the body’s healing. However, continuous swelling, pain, and yellowish-pink discharge may indicate issues like seroma (fluid accumulation) or infection. Although the front desk mentioned that your symptoms are normal, it’s crucial to differentiate between typical recovery signs and potential complications.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Wound Care: Continue to clean the surgical site as your doctor advised, using saline or a gentle soap. Apply a new sterile dressing as recommended to keep the area clean and dry.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the area—note any changes in size, the consistency of the discharge, increase in pain, or new symptoms such as fever.
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Seek Follow-Up: Given your ongoing concerns and changes in the wound, consider scheduling another follow-up appointment. If you can’t get an appointment, ask to speak with a nurse or physician assistant who might provide guidance. Express your worries clearly so they can understand the urgency of your situation.
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Pain Management: For pain relief, consider over-the-counter pain medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), unless contraindicated.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support healing.
If you find that your symptoms worsen or if you develop a fever or increasing pain, it would be prudent to seek immediate attention. Your health and comfort are important, and it's always okay to ask for help when something feels off.
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