General risks

·      Wound infections – This is due to the proximity to the anus. We take precautions. You will receive antibiotics at the time of operation. You will also go home with a course of antibiotics.

·      Pain – We will infiltrate the operative site with local anaesthetic agents and the anaesthetist will give you pain relief intra-operatively. Please take regular pain relief for about 3 -5 days when you are discharged.

·      Seroma (collection of fluid) and haematoma (collection of blood) under the wound – This is usually small volume and will settle with time. Risk is higher if you are on blood thinners.

·      Chance of recurrence (30 – 40%) – Recurrence is a common issue after any operation for pilonidal sinuses. This is mainly due to the disease pathology and the individual risk for pilonidal sinuses. Missing a minuscule sinus tract that can’t be demonstrated at the time of the operation will also contribute.

·      Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) – as it is going to be a day case and you are expected to be mobile soon after you recover, the risks are low. We will use automatic compression boots and stocking to reduce the risks. Please mobilise as much as you can after the operation and drink plenty of water to help. If you smoke, or if you do take contraceptive pills or if you have a history of clots or increased risk of clotting – then you need to be extra causes and it is worthwhile using the stockings for at least 2 weeks after the operation.

·      General anaesthetic (GA) risks - These will be explained to you by the anaesthetist on the day. Risks are low and will depend on your previous medical history

Post op care

·      You will recover in the ward and will be discharged on the same day

·      As you had general anaesthesia – you are expected to be accompanied by an adult for at least 24h

·      Please mobilise as much as you can after the operation and drink plenty of water.

·      Take regular pain relief (will be supplied on discharge) at least for about 5 days

·      You will go home with a course of antibiotics.

·      Please don’t stretch the area for 3 weeks (cycling. Horse riding, gym and yoga activities that involves stretching of your back, etc)

·      Please meet your GP at 2 weeks for suture removal

·      Please keep the area clean and dry

·      You will be advised to keep the entire back (from shoulders to bottom crease of your buttocks) hair free. You can resort to shaving, depilating creams of laser. Although this is to prevent a recurrence, this will not guarantee that though!

·      Please don’t drink alcohol for 2 days after the operation

·      ·      You will see me for a post op check-up at the hospital in 3 months. Please meet your GP if you have any concerns unrelated to the operation

·      After discharge - you will receive a telephone call from the nurses to see how you are. However, if you have any concerns after the operation, please ring the Oaks ward (number will be given on discharge) and speak with a nurse who will escalate your concerns directly with me.

Please ask the nurses if you need a sick note