Coccygectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What do I need to know about coccygectomy?
Coccygectomy is surgery to remove an unstable, dislocated, or broken coccyx (tailbone) after an injury.
How do I prepare for surgery?
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine before surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all your allergies. Include medicines, antibiotics, and anesthesia.
- You may need to have a CT scan, MRI, and x-ray of your tailbone before surgery.
What will happen during surgery?
You will lie face down with your hips and knees slightly bent. An incision will be made over your tailbone. Your surgeon will remove all or part of your tailbone. Nearby blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments will be checked and repaired if they are damaged. A drain may be placed to remove fluids from the area. The incision will be closed with stitches.
What should I expect after surgery?
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.
- A bandage will cover your stitches. This bandage keeps the area clean and dry to help prevent infection. A healthcare provider may remove the bandage soon after your surgery to check the area.
- Medicines may be given to relieve pain or nausea, or to prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
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 life-threatening blood clot.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.