What you need to know about:

Pilonidal Cystectomy

Fast Fact

98%

Worth It Rating

Average Cost:

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Recovery Period:

1-2 days in hospital

Permanence:

Depends on patient condition

177

Doctors

Time it takes:

2-3 hours

Hospitals & Clinics

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Anesthetize:

Local or General Anesthesia

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Overview of

Pilonidal Cystectomy

in Thailand

A pilonidal cyst (or pilonidal sinus) is a pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris and that is almost always located near the tailbone at the top cleft of the buttocks. While there seems to be a number of theories regarding the cause of a pilonidal cyst, it is thought that it forms when loose hairs penetrate the skin and friction (skin rubbing against skin, tight clothing, sitting for long periods), forces the hair down into the skin. The body then responds to the hair as a foreign substance and creates a cyst around it. If the cyst becomes infected, it can be extremely painful and may need to be surgically removed (pilonidal cystectomy).

Goals of

Pilonidal Cystectomy

Pilonidal cysts often become infected, leading to pilonidal sinus disease. The sinus is a cavity below the skin that connects to the surface through your pores. The infection spreads from the cyst into the sinus tract and, over time, can lead to recurring infections that become increasingly severe and painful. Other treatments will likely have been tried (and failed) before your doctor recommends pilonidal cystectomy. Lancing may work to remove the initial infection, but pilonidal cysts can be complex, and they frequently return and worsen over time. The next level of treatment is lansing and incising/draining. This is also done using local anesthesia and may be performed in the doctor's office, an outpatient surgical center, or an emergency room setting.This, too, is usually a temporary fix, and the pilonidal sinus cavity experiences recurrent infections. If the cyst does not heal after draining or you continue to have problems, a pilonidal cystectomy may be needed to surgically remove the cyst and surrounding tissue.

Price of

Pilonidal Cystectomy

Average Cost

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Price Range

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Pros and cons of

Pilonidal Cystectomy

Pros

An infected pilonidal cyst or abscess requires surgical drainage. Pilonidal cystectomy is the surgical removal of a pilonidal cyst or tracts extending from a sinus.

Cons

N/A

How it works:

Pilonidal Cystectomy

A pilonidal cyst may be removed using local or general anesthesia. The exact procedure will depend on whether or not the cyst is infected. In the case of an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection before surgery. Or the doctor will cut into the cyst and remove the contents, including draining the pus. In other cases, the entire cyst may be removed. The skin may then be closed with stitches or left open, and a bandage will be placed over the surgical site.

Preparation before

Pilonidal Cystectomy

Pre - treatment

Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may need someone to drive you home and help you with tasks around the house as you recover. If general anesthesia will be used, you will likely undergo a health screening as well as blood tests, a chest x-ray, and maybe an electrocardiogram (EKG). Please be sure to let the doctor know about all medication that you are taking as some may need to be stopped before the procedure. Please also inform the doctor of any allergies you have to medication and/or medical equipment. You may need to avoid food and water for six to eight hours before the procedure, or as recommended by the doctor.

Recovery after

Pilonidal Cystectomy

Post - treatment

You will likely stay in hospital for one to two days. Healing will depend on the exact type of procedure performed and if the wound was left open or closed. It can take up to six months for an open wound to fill with scar tissue. Stitches, if placed, are usually removed after two to three weeks and the wound can take one to two months to heal. It will be recommended that you keep the area free of hair by shaving or removing it another way.

Risks & side effects

There is a risk of bleeding and infection from the procedure. Complications from anesthesia are also possible.

FAQs:

Pilonidal Cystectomy

What are the recommendations for travel for this procedure?

If you are taking any blood-thinning medication/anticoagulant, please let your doctor know as some may need to be stopped before you travel for the procedure. Travelers to Thailand should plan to stay in the country for at least two to five days after the procedure, depending on their condition after surgery, or for the entire duration of treatment. If you plan to return home after the procedure, please speak to your doctor before making travel arrangements. There are no restrictions for air travel. During your follow-up appointment your medical team will assess your health and your incision and you will receive documents detailing your medical and treatment history and your "Fit to Fly" certificate (if needed).

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What are the causes of pilonidal cysts?

The exact cause of pilonidal cysts isn't clear. But most pilonidal cysts appear to be caused by loose hairs that penetrate the skin. Friction and pressure — skin rubbing against skin, tight clothing, bicycling, long periods of sitting or similar factors — force the hair down into skin. Responding to the hair as a foreign substance, the body creates a cyst around the hair. This explanation accounts for rare cases of pilonidal cysts that occur in parts of the body other than near the tailbone. For example, barbers, dog groomers and sheep shearers have developed pilonidal cysts in the skin between fingers.

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What are the signs of pilonidal cysts?

Signs of pilonidal sinus disease include: Severe pain near the tailbone Tenderness in the lower back Swelling in the area Foul-smelling drainage Fever

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