Pilonidal Disease

Abstract

It is arguable whether a disease exists that is more frustrating in failure or more satisfying in success, for both patient and surgeon, than pilonidal disease. The strategy utilized to manage this disease is critical, and should be based upon disease severity, anatomy, and a patient’s particular desire. While disease may be non-operatively approached, surgery is more likely to result in a durable and definitive cure. This chapter will outline several approaches to the patient with pilonidal disease. The surgeon best prepared to treat this disease will be familiar with three or four viable surgical options that can be applied to a variety of scenarios.