Surgical treatments forHidradenitis suppurativa(HS) include processes known as deroofing, excision surgery, and laser surgery.
Without proper treatment, hidradenitis suppurativa can get worse.
In severe cases, especially when the disease has made tunnels under the skin, surgery may be necessary.
Shannon Fagan / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Shannon Fagan / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Learn about the different surgical options for hidradenitis suppurativa.
What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgery?
There are a number of surgical options for hidradenitis suppurativa.
Some can be handled in a doctor’s office while others take place in a hospital.
Surgery will remove the lesions associated with hidradenitis suppurativa.
For this reason, surgery is only indicated for those with severe disease.
Mild or moderate forms of the disease may be treated with medications and skincare.
Location
Surgery for hidradenitis suppurativa may take place in a dermatologist’s office or in a hospital.
Your doctor will be able to advise you on what would be the most appropriate for your situation.
It is important to follow these instructions.
What to Bring
Any valuable items or jewelry should be left at home.
You may like to bring a book or something to pass the time as you wait for surgery.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
You may be asked to stop smoking before your procedure.
If you are given a local anesthetic, you will be awake during the procedure.
The doctor will perform the procedure and may apply gauze and dressings to your wounds.
This can mean recovery and healing can be a slow process.
Coping with Recovery
For the first 10 days following surgery, changing dressings may cause pain.
You may need to ask for assistance from family or friends to help change your dressings.
Sometimes, wounds may be accompanied by an odor.
Antiseptic washes may help to reduce pain in the area.
Possible Future Surgeries
It is possible hidradenitis suppurativa will recur after surgery.
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery for hidradenitis suppurative may be effective for patients with severe disease.
There are a number of surgical options and rates of recurrence are variable.
Wide excision surgery is often considered more effective than local excision surgery.
Your doctor will advise you if you are a candidate for hidradenitis suppurativa surgery.
Generally, surgery is only indicated for those with severe disease.
There are a number of ways to manage hidradenitis suppurativa without surgery.
These include:
However, if the disease is extensive and severe, your doctor may still recommend surgery.
Recovery from hidradenitis suppurativa surgery can take some time.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: diagnosis and treatment.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Michigan Medicine.Hidradenitis suppurativa: things to know and what to expect.
Johns Hopkins.Preparing for surgery.
Johns Hopkins.Preparing for dermatologic surgery
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Surgery, what to expect.
2020;33(3):e13282.
