The notion of a pilonidal cyst is incorrect. It’s not a pilonidal cyst, it’s a pilonidal infection. If there’s a tract that drains intermittently or always it’s correctly termed a pilonidal sinus. Put more simply and inclusively, all pilonidal problems can be lumped together as pilonidal disease.
The symptoms may include pain, drainage, smell, swelling, and in its most severe form fever, redness of the affected area, and inability to sit.
Pilonidal Disease: An Explainer
If you are reading this website, you are probably looking for a better way to treat your pilonidal disease. In our overview of Pilonidal infections, we discuss in detail the Pilonidal RAF (Rotation and Advancement Flap / Cleft Lift) procedure, the most reliable and successful surgical treatment to date.
Pilonidal “Cyst” Causes
Pilonidal cyst issues arise from factors related to a deep valley or cleft between the buttock cheeks, known as the “natal cleft.” This deep cleft is the primary cause of the problems. Repeated micro-trauma to the area can rupture hair follicles, which struggle to heal in the deep, moist, and airless environment of the cleft. As a result, these follicles often become clogged with a protein called keratin. Eventually, they can rupture within the subcutaneous space, which lies beneath the skin. Additionally, shed or cut hair can become trapped in the abscess over time, often entering through its root end. This can lead to the formation of a draining sinus tract, typically located above and to one side of the cleft.
Pilonidal “Cyst” Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually quite straightforward, but the practitioners of medicine and surgery must understand the fundamentals of pilonidal disease to recognize it, including undeerstanding that it is an infection, not a cyst, as we noted above. Many don’t, and misdiagnoses are common.
Pilonidal “Cyst” Treatment
Treatment consists of simple drainage for acute or first-time pilonidal abscesses. But so often, practitioners are hesitant to drain the abscess and may just prescribe antibiotics which often don’t help. Once the condition has been present for many months or years and is not improving, surgery is usually required.
Pilonidal “Cyst” Surgery
When choosing an operation and a surgeon, please do your research. The Cleft Lift Procedure, also called the Pilonidal RAF (for rotation and advancement flap), is the only operation Dr. Sternberg advises as appropriate for patients requiring pilonidal surgery. Please do your research. Choosing the correct operation and finding the right surgeon can be life-changing in a positive way.
Meet Your Surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg
After many years performing major abdominal operations including open and laparoscopic resections for colon cancer, rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative colitis, I have chosen to concentrate my efforts in a few highly specialized areas of surgery where I feel I can make the greatest positive impact on patients.
Meet my Office Staff
Patient Testimonials: The Blog
Read success stories from surgery patients
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Life-Changing Pilonidal Surgery
My Teen’s Success Story with The Sternberg Clinic My teenage daughter is now over two years post operation and it has been life-changing! This is your sign to contact this clinic if you are having pilonidal issues! Prior to seeking expert pilonidal surgery help from this clinic, my daughter suffered a year and a half,
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100% Healed without Signs of Pilonidal Disease
2022, The Initial Diagnosis In 2022 my son was diagnosed with pilonidal disease. After several rounds of antibiotic and lancing we went to a very renowned surgeon in our area who told us that surgery is the answer. My son underwent surgery to remove the diseased tissue. We were told it needed to heal from
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I have No Pain, No Drainage, and can Finally Live my Life
I am so Thankful for Finding Dr. Sternberg After 7 years and 5 failed surgeries, I was worried I was going to have to live with my Pilonidal Disease my whole life. Thankfully, a doctor in the Bay Area pointed me in the direction of Dr. Sternberg’s clinic. Dr Sternberg was incredibly friendly and his
