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Treatment of pilonidal cyst

Coccygeal cyst (pilonidal cyst of the coccyx, or epithelial coccygeal tract) is a disease caused by congenital or acquired pathology in the form of a narrow channel 2 to 12 cm long, which forms under the skin at a depth of 1-2 cm in the upper part of the fold between the buttocks. It is lined with epithelium and contains sebaceous and sweat glands and hair follicles. When the primary openings of the epithelial passage are blocked, stagnation of its contents occurs. This leads to dilation of the canal and purulent inflammation of the canal walls. When the abscesses are opened, one or more pointed secondary openings – fistulas – are formed. Suppuration of the epithelial coccygeal canal leads to destruction of its walls. The infection goes into the subcutaneous fatty tissue, which can cause abscess and sepsis. Therefore, coccygeal cyst requires urgent treatment.

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Cyst on the tailbone: causes of occurrence

There are two approaches to understanding the causes of coccygeal purulent cysts. Most medical scientists believe that the coccygeal process is a congenital pathology caused by a violation of the intrauterine development of the embryo. Other experts are of the opinion that the cause of coccygeal cysts lies in the pathology of hair growth in the coccyx and sacrum, which is manifested by their ingrowth into the skin.

A cyst of the coccygeal canal is an insidious disease that may not manifest itself for a long time. It can be provoked by:

lower back injuries;

excessive physical activity;

decreased immunity;

infections, hormonal disorders, and diseases such as diabetes or obesity;

increased hair growth in the sacrum area;

inflammation of the hair follicles;

excessive sweating and poor personal hygiene.

Some doctors associate the appearance of inflammation of the epithelial coccygeal canals with hypothermia and a sedentary lifestyle.

Types of coccygeal cysts

According to the form of the disease, there are four types of coccygeal cysts:

1. uncomplicated – it occurs without any symptoms;
2. acute – this form is characterized by infiltration of the canal contents into the subcutaneous tissue and the formation of a purulent abscess;
3. chronic – pilonidal cyst of this type is characterized by the presence of three stages of pathology development: infiltration, recurrent abscess, and the appearance of purulent fistula;
4. in the stage of remission, when the inflammatory process subsides and the negative symptoms are weakened or completely disappear.

In addition to pilonidal, there is also a dermoid coccygeal cyst, which is a benign tumor in the form of a small painful mass. It differs from the epithelial course by the absence of openings. Such a tumor can begin to fester and can break through. In addition, there is a risk of its degeneration into malignancy.

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What are the symptoms and signs of an iliac cyst?

A person who has an epithelial passage in the coccyx may not realize its existence for a long time. Symptoms appear in the acute form of the disease, when the primary openings cease to cope with the drainage function and inflammation forms. Most often this happens during puberty. However, suppuration of the coccygeal cyst can occur later, at the age of up to 30 years.

Inflammation of the epithelial passages of the coccyx is accompanied by the following symptoms:

skin tightness in the upper part of the gluteal fold;

swelling and redness of the tissues in the coccyx;

formation of one or more fistulas, from which pus is released;

deterioration of the general condition, manifested by weakness and fever.

pain in the area of pathology development, which is aggravated by sitting, walking and light finger pressure in the area of the sacroiliac joint;

The symptoms of a coccyx cyst resemble a common boil, but, unlike it, it cannot be cured by therapeutic methods. The only way to solve the problem is to have a surgical operation to remove the coccyx cyst.

Treatment of epithelial coccygeal passages

Treatment of coccygeal cyst is impossible without surgery. Removal of the epithelial course is necessary if symptoms are manifested. Asymptomatic patients can be observed. Surgical intervention can be one-stage (if there is no suppuration on the coccyx) or two-stage. In the latter case, first, the abscess is opened with cleaning of the course, and then, after the inflammation is removed, a second operation is performed to eliminate the pathological canal, primary and secondary openings.
Various surgical techniques are used to remove the coccyx cyst:

surgery with an open wound;
surgery with a closed wound;
Bascom’s method;
Karidakis method.

In our clinic, the coccygeal passages are removed using a radio wave scalpel, and in addition to traditional surgical methods, laser removal of the coccygeal cyst is used.

Postoperative period

Depending on the method of removal of the coccygeal cyst, recovery after surgery can take from 2-3 weeks to 2 months. During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to:

take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor;

undergo a course of antibiotic therapy;

minimize physical activity, do not lift weights;

avoid sitting for long periods of time;

Do not leave it in a cold or hot place;

wear loose-fitting clothing without rough seams.

You can remove the epithelial coccygeal passage in Ivano-Frankivsk at the Med-Atlant clinic. Here, the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon in a modern operating room. Make an appointment with the specialists of our treatment and diagnostic center by calling the phones listed on the website.