Pilonidal cyst – assessment and referral

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling in the cleft above the tailbone, particularly when sitting.
• Recurrent abscesses or pus discharge from small openings ("pits") in the midline.
• Visible redness and swelling in an acute abscess.
• Occasional fever and malaise.

Why we don't operate in the clinic

Definitive treatment – whether excision, Bascom or Karydakis procedure – requires general anaesthesia and specialised aftercare. An acute abscess is typically drained in the emergency department. We therefore refer onward to a surgical department.

Our assessment at Kirurgen.dk

Assessment rests on a clinical examination of the area, where the specialist considers whether there is an acute abscess and whether the disease is primary or recurrent. The different surgical techniques and their pros and cons are gone through so you can make an informed decision before referral.

Referral – where do we send you?

We refer to a surgical department in the Capital Region:

• Herlev Hospital – Department of Surgery.
• Hvidovre Hospital – Gastro Unit.
• Bispebjerg Hospital – Department of Surgery.
• Hillerød (Nordsjællands Hospital) – Department of Surgery.
• Private hospital of your choice, if you have health insurance.

Prevention after treatment

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Remove hair in the cleft regularly (clipping, depilatory cream or laser).
• Avoid prolonged sitting without breaks.