Pilonidal Disease
What it is
Pilonidal disease affects the skin and soft tissue near the cleft of the buttocks. It can cause pain, swelling, drainage, inflammation, or recurrent abscesses.
The condition varies considerably between people — from a small pit causing occasional discomfort to recurrent disease with multiple tracts. Because of this, treatment is planned individually rather than following a single approach.
Common reasons to seek assessment
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the area near the tailbone
- Drainage, discharge or bleeding from a pit or opening
- Repeated infections or abscesses in the same area
- Symptoms that have returned after previous treatment
- Ongoing discomfort when sitting or with activity
How it is assessed at Sereva
Dr. Maggisano examines the area, reviews your symptoms and any previous treatment, and considers the extent of disease and whether tracts are present.
Assessment is carried out with attention to your comfort and privacy.
The discussion covers what your particular pattern of disease means for treatment, including whether a staged approach or a hospital-based procedure would be more appropriate.
Treatment options that may be available
- Drainage of an acute abscess where that is what is needed first
- Individualized surgical planning based on the extent and pattern of your disease
- A staged approach where more than one step is appropriate
- Referral for more extensive or complex reconstruction where that is the better route
- Practical guidance on hair and skin care in the area to help reduce irritation
Which of these applies to you — if any — depends on your individual assessment.
What to expect during treatment
What treatment involves depends on your assessment, and the plan is explained to you before anything proceeds.
Some treatment steps are appropriate for an office setting under local anaesthetic; more extensive surgery is better suited to a hospital setting.
Not every case of pilonidal disease can be resolved with a single office procedure, and this is discussed openly with you.
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery depends on the treatment performed and on the extent of disease, so guidance is individualized rather than fixed.
Wound care in this area often continues for a period after treatment, and you are shown what is involved.
Follow-up is arranged to monitor healing, and pilonidal disease can recur, so ongoing care is discussed.
Suitability, fees & OHIP coverage
Whether treatment is appropriate, and whether it is covered by OHIP, depends on your diagnosis and on the recommended treatment. Some procedures are insured when they are medically indicated, while many removals performed for benign or appearance-related reasons are uninsured. Where a fee applies, it is explained to you before anything proceeds, so you can decide how you would like to continue.
Contact us
Assessment with Dr. Maggisano is the first step in understanding your options. Get in touch to arrange a visit.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an individualized surgical assessment. Only an in-person consultation can determine what is appropriate for you.