WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about coccygectomy? Coccygectomy is surgery to remove an unstable, dislocated, or broken coccyx after an injury. The coccyx is a small bone shaped like a triangle that forms the bottom of your spine. How do I prepare for a coccygectomy? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medicines you may or may not take on the day of your surgery. What will happen during a coccygectomy? You will lie face down with your hips and knees slightly bent. The cheeks of your buttocks will be separated and kept open with surgical tape. An incision will be made on your lower back, a few inches above the opening of your anus. Tissues and muscles will be cut and separated to reach the damaged or broken coccyx. Your healthcare provider will remove all or part of your coccyx. Blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments near the coccyx will be checked and repaired if they are damaged. A drain may be placed to drain fluids from the area. Your wound will be closed with stitches. The bones of your coccyx that have been removed may be sent to a lab for tests. What are the risks of a coccygectomy? You could have trouble breathing, bleed more than expected, or get an infection. You may need to have surgery done again if you get an infection. Nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, and bones may be damaged during surgery. After surgery, you may have tingling or numbness in the area where surgery was done. You may still have pain or have trouble going back to your usual activities, including sports. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. This may become life-threatening. |