Pilonidal Cyst and Abscess
Overview
A pilonidal cyst, also known as a trichophilic fistula, is a chronic inflammation in the coccygeal area, commonly referred to as the tailbone.
The condition is more common in men than in women, occurs mainly between the ages of puberty and 40, and obesity and heavy hair growth increase your risks of developing a pilonidal cyst.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary between patients. They can range from the appearance of a small swelling to the formation of a large and painful inflammatory mass-abscess. Often pus or blood drains from the opening in the skin. When the area becomes inflamed, it becomes red, swollen, and hard, and may also ooze foul smelling pus. Often it is noticed when you see underwear soiled with serum-bloody fluid. When infected, you may experience severe pain or fever and notice an abscess forming.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose a pilonidal cyst through a clinical examination.
Treatment
Treatment varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition of the cyst. An acute abscess is usually managed by opening and draining to release the pus, reduce inflammation and relieve the patient from pain. A chronic pilonidal cyst, however, is only effectively treated through surgery which removes or completely destroys the cyst, together with the accompanying ducts and fistulas, in order to ensure a very low chance of recurrence. The surgery can be performed either by open surgery or by laser surgery.
Why GMI
At the GMI, our medical team of internationally acclaimed physicians guide each patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care. Our patients will partner with internationally recognized surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating pilonidal cysts. The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports our patients by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative medical services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
