
A pilonidal cyst is a type of sinus infection that typically occurs in between the upper skin cleft of the buttocks. The most common symptoms of pilonidal sinus are redness, pain and swelling. Apart from these symptoms, there can be drainage of pus, and sometimes, in rare cases, this condition may also cause fever.
It is crucial to get the treatment for pilonidal cysts in the early stage in order to prevent the painful composition of pus in the top end of the buttock cleft. Also, early treatment can help in avoiding the spread of this infection in the body and reduce the potential risk of pilonidal sinus recurrence. Therefore, it is most important to know who treats pilonidal cyst and find a reliable physician for further diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Remember to avoid self-diagnosis of pilonidal sinus as it can spread to the entire body and lead to the wrong prognosis.
What Doctor Treats Pilonidal Cysts?
A healthcare provider can properly diagnose the pilonidal cyst. He may ask about the medical history, symptoms, and personal habits and check the affected buttock skin’s cleft.
Anorectal and proctologists surgeons are pilonidal cyst surgeons who are specialists in efficiently diagnosing and treating this medical condition. Therefore, here are some points that you should consider before you seek treatment for a pilonidal cyst from a surgeon.
Where Can I Get A Pilonidal Cyst Removed?
You may get the treatment for pilonidal cysts in the office of your healthcare provider. The doctor numbs the affected area and then makes a tiny cut to pass the cyst. In case the cyst returns, you may have to undergo a pilonidal cyst surgery.
If there is a need for surgery, the healthcare provider will numb the affected buttock area and remove the pus by making an incision.
Surgery for pilonidal cyst
Pilonidal cyst forms in between the buttock crease around the hair follicle. This affected area tends to look like a tiny pore or pit in the skin and contains hair or appears as a dark spot.
Sometimes, the pilonidal cyst can turn into an infection, and this condition is known as a pilonidal abscess.
A pilonidal abscess or infected cyst needs drainage through surgery. An infected cyst will not be able to heal entirely from antibiotic medicines. If the infection persists, the pilonidal cyst needs surgery to remove it.
There are many types of pilonidal surgery to remove the cyst.
Incision and cyst drainage
This is perhaps the most common type of pilonidal cyst. It is a straightforward procedure that the healthcare provider performs in his office.
The healthcare professional injects local anaesthesia to numb the affected skin.
A small incision is made in the cyst to drain out the pus and the fluid. The small hole is then filled with the gauze and left open.
Afterwards, it may take up to 4 weeks for the affected area to heal. The gauze needs to get repeated changes during this period.
Pilonidal cystectomy
In case the pilonidal cyst persists, the doctor will take surgical help to remove the cyst from the body. This medical procedure is an outpatient method that doesn’t require the patient to stay in the hospital.
At first, the patient may get general anaesthesia to complete the procedure while you are asleep and free from pain. Sometimes, the healthcare professional uses local anaesthesia to numb the patient from the waist to the down.
To remove the affected skin with pores and underlying tissue consisting of hair follicles, the surgeon cuts the area. Depending on the quantity of tissue removal, the affected area may either be packed with gauze or left without gauze.
Sometimes, the surgeon places a tube to drain the fluid and pus that collects post-surgery. After the drainage stops, the surgeon removes the tube. However, there is a chance for it to come back.
Post-surgical removal of the cyst
After your healthcare provider successfully removes the cyst, he might:
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Leave the skin open
In this case, the surgeon keeps the wound open and packs it with gauze. This process allows the wound to heal entirely from the inside out.
This usually takes much more time but reduces the risk of recurrence of the pilonidal cyst.
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Close the skin with stitches
In this case, the surgeon stitches the wound to close the affected area. This is comparatively a shorter healing process but may higher the risk of coming back from the pilonidal cyst.
Taking care of the wound is necessary post-surgery. The healthcare provider will show the ways to change your dressing and explain everything regarding the healing process. Besides, you may have to shave the area around the surgical site to avoid the entrance of hair into the wound.
Who Treats Pilonidal Cyst?
You are more likely to start your treatment by seeing a primary healthcare provider. Sometimes, they may immediately refer you to a doctor or a surgeon who specialises in treating dermatology. It is better to treat yourself with specialists to get a quick drainage and prevent the cyst from coming back.