Coccygectomy
Operation
Excision of the coccyx
Indication
Painful coccyx, also known as coccydynia
Special preparation for surgery
You will be advised when to stop blood thinning medications including aspirin, warfarin, clopiidogrel. HRT and oral contraceptives will need to be stopped before surgery and we will advise how and when to do this. Please tell us if you are taking any herbal remedies as it may be necessary to stop some of these.
Admission to hospital
On the day of operation
General Anaesthetic
Yes
Operative position
Prone ( front down)
Details of operation
An incision of 3-4 cm is made over the coccyx. The muscles and ligaments are gently elevated from the bone enabling the removal of the coccyx. The cavity is then closed with deep sutures and the skin or closed with further sutures.
Length of Surgery
I hour
Urinary Catheter Requited
No
Post operative Drain
No
Post Operative intravenous Fluids ( drip)
Yes
DVT prophylaxis
Aspirin after surgery
Mobilisation
within 12 hours
Length of stay in hospital
1 day
Post hospital recovery
2 weeks resting while wound heals, keeping the area sealed under a dressing. Avoid any pressure on the wound area for 4-6 weeks.
Sutures removed
10 days in clinic
Dressing
Dissolvable glue dressing, steristrips, gauze, elastic waterproof dressing.
Review Appointment
2 weeks wound check
Physiotherapy
Not usually
Return to driving
2-4 weeks
Return to work
3-6 weeks delending on nature of work
