Most people plan to have their medical care locally. Sometimes, however, seemingly simple problems require the care of a specialist and that specialist may not be close by. And, for some medical conditions, only a handful of national specialists exist. Such is the case with pilonidal disease (often called a pilonidal cyst).
If you’re suffering from pilonidal disease/pilonidal cyst disease and are considering surgery, you should choose your surgeon very carefully. Find someone who is experienced in performing the Cleft Lift Procedure, which is, arguably, the best procedure curing pilonidal cysts/pilonidal disease requiring surgery.
“If you can travel to San Francisco to dine at a fine restaurant or see a show, you can certainly travel to San Francisco to improve your life!”
― Patient at The Sternberg Clinic
Why it may be important to travel for your pilonidal surgery
It is important that you have the right procedure done the first time. Most medical practitioners don’t understand the optimal treatment for pilonidal disease, and many have little interest in the disease because traditional operations have a 30%+ recurrence rate. Few surgeons know about the Cleft Lift procedure, and many who claim to perform it have minimal experience. The Cleft Lift procedure is arguably the treatment of choice for pilonidal disease requiring surgery. Rather than undergoing an inadequate operation and developing a recurrent abscess or non-healing wound, you are better off consulting a surgeon who has experience treating difficult pilonidal disease. Remember, only a handful of surgeons in the United States have significant experience with the cleft lift procedure.
Related Reading: Tips for Interviewing a Surgeon
Making surgery in San Francisco work:
If you live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and are considering surgery for your pilonidal issue, please visit our “How to Become a Patient” page of our website and send us the requested information.
How to Become a Patient
If you’re looking for a surgeon to treat your Pilonidal Disease, read more about how to become a patient at The Sternberg Clinic, and contact our office staff to schedule an appointment.
How will this all play out?
If you are traveling to consult with Dr. Sternberg, the office staff will arrange a visit a day or so before your scheduled surgical procedure. The procedure is outpatient, and you should arrange comfortable accommodations in San Francisco proper. Staying farther away is not advised, as a long car ride immediately after surgery can lead to discomfort and increase your chance of having postoperative complications. In addition, Dr. Sternberg will want to meet with you and the person helping you with the drain on the day following surgery. So, staying close by is essential. Excellent hotel options and activities are discussed on our “Plan Your Visit” page of our website.
Please remember that our staff at The Sternberg Clinic (415.417.3377) will be your point of contact for everything. Please contact them if you require more information or need to cancel or change your travel plans. Please do not call the surgery center for travel advice.
Please think twice before renting a car for travel in San Francisco.
San Francisco is an exciting but congested city. Driving and finding parking can be frustrating and anxiety-provoking. Parking is expensive. Unless you are planning a trip outside of the city during your stay, please don’t plan to rent a car. San Francisco has a great deal of traffic, and there is always tremendous road work. You would be better off taking a car service like Lyft or Uber. If you don’t have the apps for Uber, Lyft, or Waymo (yes, we are the US center of driverless cabs) on your smartphone, please download them from your smartphone App Store and enter your credit card information. Everyone in San Francisco gets around by these cab services.
If you do rent a car for out of town excursions, please don’t leave anything exposed in your car! No luggage, purses, gym bags, sunglasses….. San Francisco has the unfortunate badge of the “break my car window and grab my bag” capital of north America. We don’t want you to be a victim.
How far have patients traveled to The Sternberg Clinic?
Given Dr. Sternberg’s internationally recognized expertise in pilonidal surgery, it’s no surprise that 60% of his pilonidal patients have traveled to San Francisco from outside of the Bay Area. This includes New York City, Massachusets, Connecticut, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, and the Mid-West… Additionally, many patients have traveled from other countries, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Europe (Spain, England, France, Belgium), and the Asian cities of Tokyo, Qatar, UAE, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Canton, and Seoul. Dr. Sternberg welcomes patients from anywhere throughout the United States and abroad.
Patient Testimonials: The Blog
Read success stories from surgery patients
Did Dr. Sternberg treat your pilonidal disease? Submit a Patient Testimonial
