WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE SURGERY?

If you had an incision and drainage of a pilonidal abscess, Dr. Wadie will remove the packing and usually will wait for 1-2 weeks before performing the cleft lift procedure. During this time you will be on oral antibiotics and will need to soak/irrigate the wound at least once daily to promote healing and keep the wound clean in order for the inflammation to subside. Sometimes, Dr. Wadie will need to see you back just before surgery to re-evaluate the wound.

If you have a chronic opening rather than an abscess, we will usually schedule the surgery within 1-2 weeks and there is no need for soaking and antibiotics before surgery in this case. FOR PATIENTS COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE RALEIGH AREA, PLEASE REFER TO SECTION FOR DETAILED INFORMATION.

Before surgery, pain and discomfort will usually be managed with over-the-counter Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen). It is very rare to need strong narcotic medication.

In most cases, surgery is not urgent and we can schedule it based on your schedule. However, the longer the delay, the more the disease creates more tracks and cavities and the more difficult the procedure will be.

You will be seen by our anesthesiologists the day of surgery and he/she will discuss the anesthesia details with you.

The day before surgery:

Nothing to eat for at least 8 hours prior to surgery. You can have clear liquids for up to 4 hours before surgery. Clear liquids include water, juice, Jell-O or tea. Milk or soup are not clear liquids.

It is preferable to take a shower with Hibiclens the night before surgery to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin.

You will get a phone call from the surgery center few days before the scheduled date of surgery to give you the exact time you need to show up at the center.

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What to expect before surgery?: Text