NUTRITION AFTER SURGERY

• High Protein Diet:

Proper nutrition is important to promote wound healing. Patients should make a real effort to stay on a high protein diet. This means the diet should consist of lots of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, soybeans, nuts, etc. Carbohydrates, such as bread, cookies, pastries, etc, are not as important 

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Most dietitians agree that at least 50 gm of protein/day is needed in the immediate postoperative period to help with healing. It is recommended to do this for at least 4-6 weeks to maximize the chances of healing.

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• Vitamins and Supplements:

In addition to proteins, vitamins and minerals are another integral part of wound healing. Patients who have chronic open pilonidal wounds usually have depletion of the vitamins required for healing.

That is why for those patients with recurrent disease, chronic open wounds or long duration of symptoms, it is helpful to use vitamin and mineral supplements for a couple of weeks before surgery and for at least another 4-6 weeks after.

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However, in a young, healthy individual with recently diagnosed pilonidal disease and no open wounds, this is not necessary.

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Because antibiotics are used after this operation to prevent infection, it is recommended that patients take a good probiotic while on antibiotics.

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Vitamins, amino acids and minerals that enhance wound healing include:

• Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.

• Zinc and Magnesium.

• Arginine , Glutamine and Glucosamine

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Dr. Wadie does not recommend a specific brand of supplements. Any brand that contains a high concentration of the above mentioned supplements should be enough. These can be purchased online or found in a vitamin/supplement store.

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