If your doctor has advised you to have pilonidal cyst surgery, then you have likely went through a number of uncomfortable emotions. This is totally normal, as a pilonidal cyst involves a very private area of your body. In fact, many people wait a long time to seek medical care because they are ashamed of it or hope that it will go away on its own.

The good news is that you are not alone. In fact, a pilonidal cyst is a treatable medical condition. Surgery is often recommended when it keeps coming back, gets infected, causes persistent pain or has created a tunnel or sinus tract under the skin.

In simple words, surgery removes the pilonidal cyst to allow the healthy tissue to heal in a way that reduces the risk of future recurrences.

What is a pilonidal cyst, and why is surgery necessary?

A pilonidal cyst is a pocket that forms under the skin, usually near the top of the buttocks. This cyst is often filled with hair, debris, and infected tissue. At times, a pilonidal cyst is asymptomatic. While at others, it is red, swollen, painful, or infected, draining pus or blood.

However, not all pilonidal cysts require the same treatment. Surgery is usually recommended when:

• The cyst comes back again and again
• The cyst drains a lot
• Pain interferes with walking, sitting, and daily activities
• Repeated infections happen
• A sinus tract develops under the skin

Most people ask, “Is it really necessary to undergo surgery for a pilonidal cyst?” The answer to this question depends on how serious condition is, as well as how long you’ve had it. If the condition is already chronic, then surgery is the treatment that can really provide the best possible cure.

Is pilonidal cyst surgery really worth it?

When a pilonidal cyst keeps coming back, it can become a never-ending cycle of pain, discharge, anxiety, and disruption to normal daily activities. This can become a serious issue because, over time, it is not just the pain or discharge that is annoying, but also the emotional toll that it is taking on a person.

It is not a cosmetic procedure. The purpose is to remove a constant source of pain, infection, and discomfort. This is why many find relief, because they no longer have to worry about when it is going to flare up again.

It is also important to note that no surgery is a guarantee. There is still a chance that a pilonidal cyst can recur. However, when a person is experiencing a constant pilonidal cyst issue, pilonidal cyst surgery is likely to provide a person with a much faster path to relief.

What happens during pilonidal cyst surgery?

The procedure depends on how large the cyst is, if there is an infection, if it is a recurring issue, or how much tissue is involved.

However, the procedure usually involves:

• Opening and draining an abscess
• Removing the cyst and the sinus tracts
• Leaving the wound open to heal gradually
• Closing the wound with stitches in some cases
• Using flap techniques to flatten the cleft and prevent recurrence in some cases

Some cases are simple, while others are more complicated. The approach taken by the surgeon to treat the cyst will depend on what is likely to give you the best chance of healing.

The main goal of the treatment is not merely to remove the cyst. It is also necessary to manage the hidden tracts and reduce the conditions that allowed the cyst to form in the first place.

How painful is pilonidal cyst surgery?

You can experience some pain and soreness, especially in the first few days, but it is usually manageable. However, if you want to ask if there is pain during the actual process, the answer is no. Anesthesia is used to prevent pain.

After the process, most people find that the area is sore, tender, tight, and uncomfortable. Pain is usually worse when you sit directly on the affected area, when you move suddenly, or during dressing changes if the wound has been left open.

Your healthcare provider will advise you to take painkillers such as naproxen or paracetamol to help you get through it without much discomfort.

Is pilonidal cyst surgery major or minor?

In most cases, this is considered a minor surgical procedure, provided the disease process is not serious. However, it does not mean it should not be taken seriously.

It is possible to have the procedure done on a day surgery basis, which means you can go home on the same day. While it may not be a major surgery like the kind done on the abdomen or the chest, the healing process should not be taken lightly, especially if the wound has to be left open.

It is better to say it like this: it may be a routine surgery for the doctors, but it is a major healing process for you.

How long does the recovery from pilonidal cyst surgery take?

The recovery may vary depending on the procedure the surgeon decides to use. That is why you may find different answers to the question “how long is the recovery from pilonidal cyst surgery?”

If the wound is closed with stitches, the recovery may seem faster. It may only take a few weeks before you are able to resume light activity.

If the wound is left open, it will heal more slowly because the body will heal it from the inside out. It may take several weeks or even longer to heal if the wound is large.

You may need to take time off work or school, especially if you have a job or are in school where you have to sit or do a lot of physical work. Walking is encouraged, but you may need to wait before you can sit, sweat, ride a bike, or do a lot of exercise

What is the aftercare like after the surgery to remove a pilonidal cyst?

Aftercare is a significant part of the entire procedure. While the surgery removes the problem, the aftercare will help the area heal properly to prevent it from coming back.

You may need to:

• Keep the area clean and dry
• Change the dressings regularly
• Avoid long periods of pressure on the area
• Take a shower as recommended by the surgeon
• Shave the area if recommended
• Wear loose clothing
• Return to the hospital for follow-up
  

Many patients also worry about basic day-to-day activities like sitting, walking, or even using the toilet. All of this is normal. In most cases, you will still be able to walk around, but you may need to take it easy on how you sit. Healing is a slow process.

Will a pilonidal cyst come back after surgery

It can. This is one of the reasons people are so nervous about the treatment. Nevertheless, surgery still remains very important, especially if the disease is chronic.

The chances of the pilonidal cyst coming back are higher if:

• Hair is frequently trapped in the area.
• The cleft is deep and moist.
• Wound care is complicated.
• The instructions of the doctor are not carefully observed.
• The pilonidal disease was already widespread to begin with.

This is the reason prevention after surgery is so important. A doctor may successfully remove the pilonidal cyst, but other factors may also play a role. Hence, it is important to take care of the area after the surgery.

If you have already experienced a pilonidal cyst recurrence before, you should not blame yourself. Pilonidal disease is a stubborn disease. The key is to receive the proper evaluation and treatment for your specific condition.

The Bottom Line

Living with pilonidal cysts may make you feel like you are the only one with the problem. But the truth is, pilonidal cysts are very common. If you are considering pilonidal cyst surgery, it doesn’t mean you have failed to take care of your pilonidal cysts. It means you are seeking a real solution to your problem, which may be affecting your life.

The treatment of your pilonidal cysts depends on your manifestations, medical history, and the type of pilonidal disease you have. For some, surgery is the key to relief, healing, and prevention of future recurrences.

But aside from the relief it brings, surgery gives you a new lease on life. With the proper treatment, proper follow-up, and proper care, you may be able to go on with your life with much more comfort and peace of mind.

Non-Surgical Options

Not everyone is ready for surgery, and that is completely understandable. There are many steps that you can discuss with your healthcare provider before making a decision.

That is why we have prepared a free guide that explains the most effective-non surgical options in one place. Get the Free Non-Surgical Guide here.