Surgery to remove a pilonidal cyst is often a long and stressful process. Each technique has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here is an easy comparison to simplify your decision-making process.

Excision with Primary Closure
In this technique, the cyst is excised and the wound is repaired by suturing. This leads to faster healing efficacy usually within several weeks. However, the rates of recurrence are slightly higher when compared to other methods.

Excision with Open Healing
In this method after excising the cyst, the opened wound is left to close by granulation tissue rather than being stitched back. This takes longer to heal but the odds of the cyst coming back are very few. It is best suited for complicated or recurrent scenarios.

Cleft Lift Procedure
This is an advanced style whereby the cyst is excised and the surrounding region is altered to prevent too much stress on the focal area. It has high outcome success with quicker healing time in comparison to open healing. This choice is beneficial for deep seated cysts or ones with extensive pathology.

Minimally Invasive Techniques
These are procedures such as pit picking or laser which require less incision and are taken out promptly. These are effective in the treatment of mild or early localized disease but are not appropriate in giant cysts.

Your Surgeon’s Recommendation
No two cases are the same. A surgeon will assess your case and advise on the best option. Do not forget to ask questions and be honest about your lifestyle so that you can pick the best approach.

Opting for surgery to excise a pilonidal cyst is a step towards getting the much-needed relief. With the right method, you will soon heal and resume back to the activities you love.