This problem is very common, especially among men of the ages between 20 and 35. A pilonidal cyst can also occur in women of a certain age and especially during pregnancy. This is an area that is filled with hair and skin debris. It is located right at the bottom of your tailbone. When a cyst happens, it results in pain and inflammation of the area. You will also notice that spot getting filled with pus.

A pilonidal cyst is sensitive to the touch and can cause a lot of pain. It happens primarily due to the inward growth of hair follicles. It is somewhat of a foreign body reaction that is triggered by that inward hair growth. It is 2.2 times more common in men as compared to women. You will not notice such a cyst in people who are in their 40s or so. There are two main procedures to treat this problem and you can choose either of them. The first is the incision and drainage process and the second is the surgical cyst removal.

If you are wondering where can I get a pilonidal cyst removed, you must consider the drainage process first. It is easier to perform and the results are quick. However, you can go with a cystectomy if the drainage process does not help or the tissue that surrounds the cyst also needs to be removed.

Becoming A Good Candidate For Pilonidal Cyst Surgery

Your healthcare professional will be in a better position to recommend the most appropriate procedure. If your infection is minor and if the cyst being treated has occurred for the very first time, your physician or surgeon is going to recommend the drainage procedure. This treatment is effective nearly 60% of the time. However, if the problem is chronic, surgery is the only solution.

You Will Be An Ideal Candidate For This Surgery If 

  • You have already had an incision and the drainage procedure as well but the cyst came back 
  • The infection is very severe and a portion of the skin tissue needs to be removed as well 
  • There are multiple cysts with sinus tracts and the area is highly inflamed

Are There Any Risks Involved With Pilonidal Cyst Surgery?

Pain is the most common complication that is going to happen to you whether you are dealing with a cyst or have gotten it removed. There will be minimal scarring as well but it will fade over time. There are topical applications and lotions available in the market that can be used to reduce pain as well as scarring of the tissue. The following are the various signs of infection that could happen as a result of drainage/surgery that you must be aware of:

  • Redness and inflammation 
  • Tenderness 
  • Heat coming from the cyst 
  • Fever or chills 
  • Pus oozing out of the wound

Other than these symptoms, you may exhibit the following:

  • Seroma which is a build-up of fluid
  • Hematoma which is bruising 
  • Poor healing 
  • Recurrent pilonidal cyst

When you notice that the cyst is coming back again and again, it is clear that you need surgical removal more than once.

Surgical Pilonidal Cyst Removal – Understanding The Procedure

The surgeon is going to remove the cyst completely from its root. He will also remove the pilonidal sinus tract. The procedure is a little more complex as compared to the more common incision and drainage process. But it is also highly likely to be more successful. Pilonidal cyst surgeries are common and are usually carried out under general anesthesia. They usually take somewhere close to 45 minutes to perform. There are primarily 4 types of cyst surgeries that your surgeon is going to recommend. Depending upon your condition, he will choose one and make sure that the results are favorable. Let’s have a look at your options:

  • Wide Local Excision

A part of the tissues is also taken out along with the cyst. The wound is covered with medicated packaging. All you have to do is wait for it to heal.

  • Excision With Marsupialization

In this procedure, the roof of the cyst is removed. The excision is performed. The fibrous tissue is stitched back.

  • Excision With Closure

The surgeon is going to remove the cyst and the sinus tract. Then the area will be surgically closed.

  • Excision With Complex Closure

In this procedure, the surgeon removes the cyst and the sinus tract. He is then going to use the flap technique to close the wound surgically.

Pilonidal Cyst Removal Surgery And Recovery

It usually takes somewhere between 1 and 3 months to completely heal from this procedure. It also depends on how deep the wound is and how fast you are able to heal. Most people are able to go back to their normal routine within a month of the surgery. You will be advised to take pain medications and avoid any strenuous activities.

 

Conclusion 

A pilonidal cyst is not really a problem that you should be worried about. There are numerous cases where the entire cyst has been removed and people have been able to get back to their normal life without even realizing that they went through surgery.