If you’ve been down the hideous road of a pilonidal cyst, you’re probably already daydreaming about the day it’s gone for good. But the thought of surgery? That’s an anxiety all its own. One of the most common questions people have about an operation like this is: Do they put you to sleep for pilonidal cyst surgery? There are a few things you need to know about the pilonidal cyst treatment process to help clear the air (and your nerves).
What Anesthetic Is Used for Pilonidal Cyst Surgery?
The type of anesthesia you will receive during pilonidal cyst surgery really depends on how bad your case is and what kind of procedure your doctor wants to do. With a smaller cyst or simple drainage a local anesthesia is often sufficient. So are you up, except the area is entirely dead.
But if you’ve got a big ol’ cyst, if it keeps cropping up, or if the required surgery is more involved, then yes—you might get the green light for general anesthesia from your doctor. That’s the one that knocks you all the way out.” You’re not going to feel anything, it’s handled when you wake up in recovery. And then there’s something in the middle: a regional or spinal anesthesia, where you remain conscious but sense nothing from the waist on down.
What is involved in pilonidal cyst surgery?
The primary objective with pilonidal cyst surgery is to drain any infected tissue and prevent the issue from coming back. In less complex surgeries, your doctor may simply drain the cyst and clean out the area. This is usually done under local anesthesia and is not a long process.
In complicated and persistent cases, the cyst can be completely removed together with sinus tracts by surgeons. They’ll next either allow the wound to heal on its own (a process called secondary intention) or close it with sutures. Larger operations, if there is deep tissue involvement or multiple abscesses, will typically occur under general anesthesia.
How do you decide what type of anesthesia you should have?
Your surgeon will discuss your options with you, based on your health history, how big and complex the cyst is, and what you’re comfortable with. Local anesthesia could be sufficient if you’re healthy and the procedure is uncomplicated. But if you’re the anxious type or have a low pain tolerance, or if you require a more complex or lengthy pilonidal cyst treatments, general anesthesia might be the way to go.
Anesthesia is not size fits all. Doctors understand that you may feel panicky, and they will evaluate your situation thoroughly. If you’re concerned about waking up or falling asleep, speak up during your consultation. The right choice is a combination of effectiveness and comfort.
Can you use general anesthesia for this mission?
For the vast majority of us, general anesthesia is very safe, certainly in a controlled outpatient setting. Surgeons and anesthesiologists collaborate to keep you monitored carefully the whole way through. With medical conditions such as sleep apnea, heart problems or medications, you doctor may be extra cautious — or select an altogether different type of sedation.
For those who want greater peace of mind, general anesthesia does tend to have a longer recovery time than local anesthesia. You won’t remember a thing, which can be a major relief, especially if you’re squeamish or nervous about the procedure.
Could you again develop pilonidal cyst after surgery?
Unfortunately, yes. Surgery or not, pilonidal cysts have a sneaky way of returning if you don’t take good care of yourself after the fact. Which is why post-op care is crucial. If your injury heals as an open wound or is closed up with sutures or another closure technique, your doctor will give you instructions on keeping the region clean, minimizing pressure, and possibly hair growth.
To prevent the condition from recurring, some choose to have laser hair removal or maintain regular cleaning and grooming routines that eliminate the likelihood of friction and moisture. Even just how you sit, or the chair that you sit in in your office, can make a difference. Recovery is equally if not more about prevention than it is about cure.
How is recovery after pilonidal cyst surgery?
If you are under general anesthesia, then you will be in the recovery room for a brief period until you are fully awake. After that, depending on your treatment and how you’re feeling, you can often go home the same day. There will be some discomfort, but your doctor will prescribe pain medication or advise on over-the-counter choices.
You’ll also need to steer clear of anything that could put pressure on your lower back — and that means nixing any strenuous activity for a time. But there’s not much for you to do to speed that along, except to keep a dressing on the wound: Dr. Ng said there was a slightly increased risk of infection with open surgery, so if you had open surgery, you might have to pack the wound with gauze until it heals. Follow ups are crucial in tracking the response and early alert for any signs of infection or recurrence.
Should I be concerned about the operation?
t’s not at all unusual to be nervous. Surgery — even a relatively small one — is a big deal. But for a treatment for pilonidal cyst, many say, the operation is not as scary as you might think. To those who end up choosing the procedure, a majority increasingly shocked to discover how quickly the pain goes away and how manageable the recovery is.
The key is to find a surgeon who has some experience handling pilonidal cysts, and to be upfront about your anxiety about the situation. Whether it’s anesthesia or downtime or healing you’re concerned about, they can walk you through it — and manage your expectations.
Conclusion
So, do they knock you out for pilonidal cyst surgery? Ocassionally, yes — but it depends on your particular circumstances. They prioritize your comfort and safety, whether you’re under general anesthesia and completely asleep, or with local anesthesia only. The aim is to excise the cyst, alleviate the pain and prevent its recurrence. If you’ve been avoiding treatment pilonidal cyst because you are anxious about being “put under,” consult your doctor. They’ll be able to help you either to find the perfect plan to finally be able to sit without pain and / or physiology to leave this hassle of pilonidal cysts behind.
