How often do pilonidal cysts recur?

Studies show recurrence rates are as high as 30 percent. The cysts may return because the area gets infected again or hair grows near the incision scar. People who have recurrent pilonidal cysts often develop chronic wounds and draining sinuses.

Why recurrence is common in pilonidal sinus?

The recurrence is most often due to the omission of any tract during the initial operation, infection of the wound, or abscess formation, that may lead to formation of a new sinus tract inside the cicatrizing wound.

Can a pilonidal cyst return years after surgery?

Pilonidal sinus recurrences may occur from the time of surgery up to 22 years and beyond. Putting this into a time frame, 60% of all recurrences will be seen within 5 years [7] . This has been proven on more than 500 patients, who received long-term follow-up of 2 decades.

Is pilonidal cyst surgery worth it?

Recovery Times After Surgery. Even if you’ve had repeated infections, is pilonidal cyst surgery worth it? If it solves the trouble of your pilonidal sinus, then it’s certainly worthwhile. And the easier your surgery and its recovery are, the more worth it the procedure will be.

Why do I have a hole above my bum?

A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks, where they divide (the cleft). It does not always cause symptoms and only needs to be treated if it becomes infected.

What do I do if my pilonidal cyst pops?

After your pilonidal sinus bursts, call your care provider for an appointment. If a large amount of liquid and debris came out of your ruptured cyst, you might assume that the cavity is completely empty now.

Why does my pilonidal cyst keep coming back after surgery?

Early recurrence is usually due to failure to identify one or more sinuses at the time of incision and drainage. Later recurrence (more than six months after surgery) is usually due to tension in the midline cleft and a secondary infection caused by further build-up of hair or other debris (Khanzada and Samad, 2007).

Will my pilonidal cyst ever go away?

Pilonidal cysts sometimes drain and disappear on their own. If you have chronic pilonidal cysts, your symptoms may come and go over time.

What happens to patients with recurrent pilonidal disease?

Patients with recurrent pilonidal disease often develop chronic wounds and draining sinuses that incur long-term morbidity, disability, and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize rates of recurrence in patients with pilonidal disease treated by pediatric surgeons.

Is it possible for a pilonidal cyst to recur?

Much to many sufferers’ dismay, recurrence is a natural problem that comes along with pilonidal disease. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to pilonidal cysts, lifestyle changes may help you stay infection-free.

When do you need surgery for a pilonidal abscess?

This can keep a new infection from settling into the tissue. Therefore, if you have had multiple infected pilonidal abscesses, your doctor will probably recommend that you have surgery to treat the problem. However, there’s always a chance that a new sinus tract could open up.

When does a pilonidal sinus infection go away?

A pilonidal sinus is simply a tract that leads from the skin’s surface to a cavity deep within the tissue. Unless a doctor removes or seals the tract, it is unlikely to go away. It may not always be infected and, therefore, bothering you, but it will still be there.