Pilonidal (Tailbone) Cyst Removal

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KEY POINTS

• Removal of a pilonidal (tailbone) cyst is a procedure to drain or remove a fluid-filled sac near your tailbone.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is removal of a pilonidal cyst?

A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled sac usually located at the tip of tailbone, at the top of the crease between the buttocks. The cyst often contains hair and small pieces of skin. It can get infected and cause an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue, and germs.

A pilonidal cyst procedure is done to drain or remove the fluid-filled sac.

When is removal of a pilonidal cyst used?

The cyst may be drained if it is infected. After the infection is healed, your healthcare provider can remove the cyst.

If the cyst is not infected, your healthcare provider can remove at any time.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover. You may also need someone to help you change the bandage over the area.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for you to take a few days before and after surgery to help prevent or treat infection.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It’s best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given a local or general anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs part of the body while you stay awake. You may also be given medicine to help you relax. General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and puts you into a deep sleep.

Your healthcare provider will make a cut in the skin over the cyst and remove any tissue or pus. Your provider may place a dressing in the wound, or leave the cyst open to let it drain.

If the whole cyst is removed, your provider may close the cut with stitches.

What happens after the procedure?

You may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on the procedure and your condition.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have an infection or bleeding.
• Pilonidal cysts often recur and you may need more surgeries to treat this problem.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.