AFTER LASER SURGERY FOR PILONIDAL DISEASE

Usually after the operation you will be able to accept some fluids (tea, chamomile, soup), stand up and walk. If you are still dizzy from the anesthesia it is best to remain lying down. A few hours later (or the next morning), after the doctor has examined you again, and if you are able to leave you will be discharged with simple instructions which usually include treatment with antibiotics and/or simple painkillers (consult the doctor before taking any medication , especially if you suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus). On the first bowel movement, feel free to remove all surgical dressings and go to the toilet as normal. It is recommended to change wound dressings daily, and leave a clean sponge between the buttocks for the next 10 days. If a laser-assisted technique has been used, it is a good idea to apply a cold compress to the area twice a day (eg a glove with ice cubes for 5-10' until they melt), for the next 5 days. Caution: if you do not tolerate the cold dressing, put a towel in between, and avoid prolonged exposure and frostbites (do not use ice packs).

You can usually wet the area after 5 days. It would be good idea to cover it with a waterproof dressing until then. Post-operatively, the area should be washed thoroughly and a mild antiseptic soap used for the next 6-7 days immediately after a bowel movement (or while bathing). After it has dried thoroughly, topical application of an antiseptic solution, such as octanisept, is recommended. Exercising and driving are not prohibited as long as you don't feel any pain from the operated areas. Return to your normal activities at home. Although rest for 2-3 days is recommended, most patients are able to return to work immediately after surgery with absolutely no discomfort. If you are taking other medicines, these can usually be restarted the morning after the operation. Check with your doctor to make sure what medications are allowed after surgery (especially if you are taking anticoagulants). Contact your surgeon Dr. Savvas Chirides and his colleagues for anything you might need in relation to the operation. In the unusual event that you notice severe pain, swelling, inflammation, pus from the wounds, or fever, or if you are concerned about any other symptom, contact your surgeon immediately.

 

TREATMENT OF PILONIDAL FISTULA UNTIL ITS COMPLETE HEALING

Ideally, after Filac laser pilonidal surgery, the area needs daily wound changes. Daily care with the following steps is recommended:

1) Whoever helps you with the wound changes should wash their hands thoroughly, and even better wear sterile gloves.

2) Slowly withdraw any adhesive pads or plasters that may be present in the operated area. If there are hairs, the procedure is painful. It is recommended that you wet the pads with alcohol before attempting to pull them off.

3) Clean with Betadine the skin area around the fistula wounds or the margins of the abscess and after 1 minute remove the betadine with alcohol or octanisept.

4) Fill a syringe with 10mL of 15% hypertonic sodium chloride solution (sterile saline with high salt content, from the pharmacy - yellow ampule) and discard the needle. Place the syringe tip sequentially on all visible fistula openings and inject the liquid under mild pressure.

5) Repeat the above rinsing procedure, by filling the syringe with normal saline this time (0.9% sodium chloride solution) - blue ampulle

6) Clean the skin again with Betadine and after 1 minute clean the betadine with alcohol or octanisept.

7) Cover the area with sterile gauze to protect the entire length of the wound as well as all fistula openings.

8) Support the gauze with the underwear and avoid adhesive materials that may irritate the skin.

9) If you have any doubts about the course of the wound (redness, unpleasant smell, discharge of pus), contact your doctor immediately.

10) Take photos of the wound to have a record of its progress.

 

Remember to book an appointment for laser removal of hair in the midline area of the buttocks 6 weeks after the laser procedure.