Pilonidal disease is a chronic condition that develops in the crease between the buttocks, near the tailbone (sacrococcygeal area). It occurs when hair and debris become trapped beneath the skin, leading to inflammation, infection, abscess formation, and draining sinus tracts.
This condition most commonly affects:
Pilonidal disease can range from a single painful abscess to a long-standing, recurrent condition with multiple draining openings and significant impact on quality of life.
Common symptoms include:
Without proper treatment, pilonidal disease often recurs and may progressively worsen.
While early or mild cases may be treated temporarily with antibiotics or drainage, surgery is often required for definitive treatment—especially in cases of:
Our goal is not just to remove the infection, but to reduce recurrence and promote durable healing.
We treat pilonidal disease using a team-based, multidisciplinary approach.
Care is coordinated with colorectal surgeons or general surgeons , allowing us to tailor the treatment plan based on:
This collaboration ensures each patient receives the most appropriate and effective surgical solution, especially in complex or recurrent cases.
The diseased tissue, sinus tracts, and inflamed skin are surgically removed. Depending on the case, closure may be performed immediately or staged.
Closing the wound away from the midline cleft reduces moisture, friction, and hair accumulation—key factors in recurrence.
For complex, recurrent, or extensive disease, flap surgery is often the best option. These advanced techniques reshape the area to flatten the cleft and prevent future disease.
Common flap procedures include:
Flap surgery offers:
Pilonidal disease surgery is medically necessary and typically covered by insurance.
This includes:
Our office works closely with insurance providers to obtain authorization and minimize out-of-pocket costs whenever possible.
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