Treatments for Pilonidal Disease
Your options for treating a Pilonidal Cyst range from minor procedures in the doctor’s office to full excision in the local surgical center. Early stage Pilonidals are excellent candidates for a minor procedure called Pit Picking and we suggest asking any doctor you are working with to learn this simple surgery.
With the newer techniques available today, there is no reason for any surgeon to be suggesting a “deep and wide excision”. It removes vast amounts of tissue unnecessarily.
There is no one single treatment plan that is right for all patients, we leave it to you and your doctor to determine what is the right course for your circumstances. Remember, health care is a partnership between you and your doctor. Being able to discuss options and resolve questions is your right (and obligation) as a patient looking to get well.
Start Here:
Look for a doctor near you from our worldwide list of Cleft Lift surgeons and recommendations on our forums.
What is the right plan for YOU? It depends on how active your abscess is and how fast you want to proceed with treatment.
Can you live with it? Maybe, if you aren’t in pain and aren’t showing any major symptoms of infection. Here’s how to cope.
Treatment Options:
Are you in massive pain right this minute? Perhaps you now have a standing desk because you can’t sit down? Start here.
Less invasive surgeries that can be done under local anesthesia at the doctor’s office, we support trying Pit Picking first.
These are more extensive treatments that remove tissue, require anesthesia, and are done at an outpatient surgery center.
Planning for Your Surgery:
Health care is a partnership; choose well when it comes to doctors and hospitals. How to build a great team.
Controlling your costs starts before surgery. These are the costs involved and where you can negotiate some of them.
For US based patients, some advice on working with insurers and the usual billing codes. Makes sure your surgery is covered.
Preparing Yourself for Surgery:
You’ll be happier on surgery day with some really, really good drugs. What to discuss with your anesthesiologist.
Getting ready for the big day, how to prep for your surgery, what to expect when you arrive at the surgery center, what to wear.
Going home from surgery and managing your first days at home post-surgery, especially going to the bathroom.
