A pilonidal cyst is annoying and painful. It causes swelling and pain in various locations. Taking antibiotics sometimes won’t work and the next step is for the doctor to complete a surgery to remove the cyst. But how long will you be on the table for? It will depend on the cyst, the type of pilonidal cyst removal surgery that is performed and the doctor’s routine. Here is the information on what they will do and the time that it might take.

What’s involved in a pilonidal cyst surgery?

The surgery is all about taking out the cyst and any tunnels under your skin. The goal is to remove the bad stuff and stop the cyst from coming back. There are a few ways to do it, it depends on how big the issues is, and if it’s infected.
Some common options:

  • A simple cut and drain
  • Cutting it out completely and letting it heal by itself
  • Cutting it out and stitching it closed
  • Moving skin

Different procedures differ in time to complete and heal. Easier procedures may be quicker, while more complex operations may take longer but last longer. Your surgeon will determine the best plan for you.

What is the actual length of time spent in surgery?

Usually, pilonidal cyst antibiotic treatment surgery is approximately 30-60 minutes long. The length is based on the surgical technique used and the complexity of the cyst. The simplest cut/drain technique is approximately 15- 20 minutes, and may even require only local anesthesia. Again, length of operation is short, but there is a chance the cyst could return.

Cutting the whole thing out usually is like 45–60 minutes where the cyst and any tunnels are removed. Depending on the size of the cut, it might heal open or be closed with stitches. Small cuts can be done in the office with numbing, but bigger ones are better suited for a surgery center with stronger drugs.

Flap procedures are more involved, taking about 1–2 hours. These are used for cysts that keep returning or if closing it soon would be a bad idea. Tissue is moved to flatten the area and reduce the chance of a return. It takes longer, but it usually works well and heals up faster.

What Happens Before Surgery?

Even if the cutting part takes an hour or two, you’ll still be at the clinic for longer than that. If you’re getting general anesthesia, you’ll come in early to get ready. They’ll check you out, review your meds and allergies, and chat with the anesthesiologist. Local numbing is faster, but you’ll still need time to get setup.

Plan on being there for about 3–4 hours for a regular surgery and even longer for a flap procedure. People getting sedation also hang out to recover before going home.

Does the Cyst’s Complexity Matter?

Yes, an uncomplicated cyst that isn’t infected means a shorter pilonidal cyst antibiotic treatment surgery. A cyst that has been there a while, keeps draining, or has tunnels will take longer. The surgeon may need more time.

They might use scans like ultrasound before to see how far the problem goes which helps your surgeon plan.

What About Recovery Time?

You’ll relax until your anesthesia wears off after surgery. With general anesthesia, this could take anywhere from 30–120 minutes, but if you are under some local numbing, you’ll recover more quickly. Most of the time, if you can get a ride home, you can go home on the same day.

Recovery time does not affect how long the surgery takes, it’s all part of the equation. The staff will be monitoring you, checking for bleeding, as well as giving instructions

Getting Ready

The surgery might not be that long, but take the whole day off. You might be tired, sore, or unable to move around well. If the wound is open, they’ll show you how to care for it. Stitches? They’ll tell you when they come out. Pain should be ok with over-the-counter stuff, and people usually start walking the same day or the next.

Flap people might need more rest and help. Getting your home and schedule ready for recovery.

Can This Be Done In-Office?

Yep, lots of these surgeries can be done in the office with local numbing when cases are generally easier. Your doctor will pick where it’s done and what kind of anesthesia you’ll get. Office procedures can be faster and cheaper. But they might not be right for returning cysts

Conclusion

The length of your pilonidal cyst treatment surgery will depend on the approach taken, cyst size and type, and type of anesthesia delivered. For most people, expect your surgery to take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Expect to be hung out at the clinic for a few hours after the procedure – just in case. If your operation was on the larger size, a longer time frame is to be expected, however the far benefit is that you might have a more expedient recovery time and fewer follow-up visits after.