PROCEDURES
Pilonidal Cysts/abscess
Overview
A pilonidal cyst is a cyst at the end of your tailbone, resembling an abnormal pocket filled with hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst rests just above the buttocks in close proximity to the tailbone.
A pilonidal cyst develops when hair penetrates the skin and then embeds itself in the skin. When the cyst becomes infected, it can be extremely painful.
Symptoms
Common signs of infected pilonidal cysts include the following:
- A pit that forms near the upper region of the buttocks
- Pain radiating from the area
- Irritated, inflamed skin
- Discharge (pus or blood) from the affected area of the skin
- Unpleasant smell as a result of pus seeping from the opening
Diagnosis
Dr Singh begins by carrying out a complete physical examination whereby she checks the buttocks crease for a pilonidal cyst, which looks like a pimple or pus oozing cyst.
Dr Singh will ask the following questions:
- Is there a variation concerning the appearance of the cyst?
- Is there fluid discharge seeping from the cyst?
- Do you notice any other symptoms?
Dr Singh may, in some cases, order an MRI or CT scan to check for tiny punctures that appear beneath the skin’s surface
Treatment
Treatment for a pilonidal cyst depends on whether the cyst is recurrent or if you’ve had any other skin-related issues (abscess or sinus) in the same region.
Treatment for a pilonidal cyst includes the following:
- Drainage of the cyst involves creating an incision over the cyst to drain the excess, infected fluid. The wound is left exposed in order for it to heal independently. A second procedure is often required to treat the cyst once inflammation and infection subsides.
- Limberg flap reconstruction is performed on patients with recurrent or severe pilonidal disease. A Limberg flap operation is a procedure that entails the removal of the pilonidal sinus and damaged tissue around it. Dr Singh then removes healthy buttock skin to conceal the opening in the region.