Recovery after pilonidal sinus surgery: wound healing explained

Open wounds and closed wounds heal on different schedules, and sources do not give a day-by-day healing time for wounds left open, so this page uses qualitative wording for those stages. The operation and its alternatives are covered on the linked pilonidal sinus guide.

A wound left open can take noticeably longer to heal than one that was stitched, and the NHS says that trade-off buys the lowest recurrence risk.

A Dudley leaflet advises washing after each bowel movement and each morning and night with plain water and a soft cloth, avoiding soap, rough flannels, talcum powder and medicated wipes. It says to dry gently with a soft towel or a hairdryer, and to replace damp dressings immediately. Baby wipes are acceptable when away from home.

The NHS says to keep the area clean and wear loose cotton underwear. If you were told the wound would be packed, a nurse will normally change the packing and teach you or a relative how to manage between visits.

Local anaesthetic given during the operation eases the first hours, according to the Dudley leaflet, which asks you to tell nursing staff about any pain so medication can be adjusted. At home, regular simple painkillers usually suffice.

The NHS advises avoiding heavy lifting for a week, avoiding cycling for 6 to 8 weeks and not swimming until the wound has fully healed. Milton Keynes agrees on one week for lifting and says to avoid driving for 48 hours, with 2 to 4 weeks off work depending on the job.

GOV.UK says to ask your doctor if you are unsure how an operation will affect driving, and that you must tell DVLA if you cannot drive 3 months after an operation. Many people find sitting in a car uncomfortable for longer than the minimum, so judge by comfort and control. Check your insurer's terms.

Milton Keynes recommends keeping the area as free of hair as possible, by shaving or using other hair removal techniques. Your surgeon may suggest when to start once the wound is healed and which methods suit your skin. Regular hair removal is one of the few things within your control to reduce the chance of the sinus returning.

The Dudley leaflet lists a swollen, hot wound, a red, painful wound and a high temperature or feeling feverish as reasons to contact your GP. A new lump, increasing discharge or a wound that stops improving after a period of healing should also be reviewed. Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or feeling very unwell, needs urgent care through NHS 111, A&E or 999.