Procedures
Pilonidal Disease
Pilonidal disease affects the skin at the top of the buttock crease and can cause ongoing infection and painful abscesses. If symptoms are recurrent or become difficult to manage, specialist assessment may be required.
What is pilonidal disease?
Pilonidal disease affects the skin at the top of the buttock crease. It is thought to develop when hair and debris become trapped beneath the skin, leading to inflammation and the formation of small tunnels (pilonidal sinuses) or cysts. These areas can become painful, swollen and infected, sometimes resulting in an abscess.
What are the symptoms?
Specialist assessment may be required to investigate:
- Pain, throbbing or swelling near the tailbone, particularly when sitting.
- Redness or tenderness around the tailbone.
- Discharge of fluid, pus or blood.
- A recurrent lump that may become infected.
How do you treat pilonidal disease?
Treatment and surgical intervention depends on the severity and recurrence of disease, and whether it is significantly impacting good quality of life.
Minor drainage procedures may be performed to relieve pressure, swelling and pain for an infected abscess.
For chronic or recurrent disease, a Karydakis flap may be recommended. This technique moves the surgical incision away from the midline of the buttock crease, helping to improve wound healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery following surgery varies on the procedure performed as well as the extent of disease. Careful wound management and good hygiene are important during the healing process to reduce the risk of recurrence. Personalised aftercare instructions such as wound care guidance and activity restrictions will be provided.