Surgery for abscess (perianal abscess or pilonidal cyst)

• pain
• swelling
• fever
• and possibly discharge or pus oozing from the abscess or cyst

An abscess by the rectum is an accumulation of infection in the tissue around the rectal opening. The infection occurs in the glands by the sphincter. From there, the infection spreads to the tissue around the rectal opening and creates an accumulation of pus in the tissue.

An abscess on the buttocks is common in younger men with a lot of hair growth. The infection is a reaction to ingrown hairs in the area. The condition is often complicated with chronic infection and a risk of recurrence of abscesses.

The abscess is removed surgically. The abscess is emptied by making an incision and then the area is cleansed. Afterwards the wound is open and will heal gradually with time.

As a general rule you may do the things you usually do and you may resume your normal activities and work when the pain allows it.

Regarding healing of the wound, we recommend that you eat a healthy and varied diet (vitamin and protein rich).

If you smoke, we recommend that you smoke less or stop all together because it will help the wound heal.

You must keep the wound clean. Follow these steps:

• The wound must be cleansed twice a day and always after defecating.
• Squat down.
• Use a shower head with a soft jet and warm water until the wound is cleansed. E.g. use a mirror.
• Afterwards the wound must be patted dry with a clean and dry cloth.

Put a small pad or panty liner in your underwear as long as the wound is oozing discharge.

If you experience pains or stinging when cleansing with the shower head, it is recommended that you take pain-relieving medication about 30 minutes before cleansing.

You may not swim or bath in stagnant water, such as swimming pools or bathtubs, as long as the wound is open. This applies for at least 14 days after the operation.

If you had surgery for a pilonidal cyst, it is very important to keep the area in and around the wound free of hair. Otherwise the wound cannot heal properly.

The hairs must be shaved off using a disposable razor. It can be difficult to see the area and thus it might be necessary to have another person help you shave the hairs off.

It is important that you do not stretch the wound too much during the first week after the surgery. That means you have to take it easy. You must not sit too much; You should rather stand or lie down. You will be informed about the precautions and the steps of after care, e.g. if a community nurse will visit you to change the bandages.

In rare cases, the wound can become infected. The infection often starts showing after a few days and the wound becomes swollen, painful and sore to the touch. There might be oozing smelly discharge from the wound. The skin becomes sore, red and hot. In case of infection, you must contact your general practitioner or the emergency service doctor.

It is recommended using pain relieving medicine such as paracetamol (Panodil, Pamol) and Ibuprofen. Read the patient information leaflet for dosage, contraindications and side effects.