The Pilonidal (pie-low-NIE-dul) cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. Pilonidal means nest of hair and is derived from the Latin words for hair (pilus) and nest (nidus). It is almost always located near the tailbone at the top of the cleft of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts most commonly occur in young men, and the problem has a tendency to recur. People who sit for prolonged periods of time, such as truck drivers, are at higher risk of developing a Pilonidal cyst.
The Pilonidal Cyst Operation involves making an incision and drainage, removal of pus and hair, and sewing or stapling of the edges of the tissue to the wound edges. The procedure is performed as outpatient surgery under local anesthesia with IV sedation. The procedure minimizes the size and depth of the wound without the need to pack gauze in the wound. Sometimes the wound has to be left open and packed if there is extensive disease.
