Ambulatory surgery for pilonidal disease.

In conclusion, pilonidal cysts, sinuses, and abscesses appear to be acquired lesions, perhaps enhanced by the developmental presence of deep intergluteal clefts, dimples, or sinuses. The pahtophysiology depends upon physical invasion of hair, lint, and other foreign material into the subcutaneum and the formation of a foreign body reaction. Appropriate treatment is drainage of the infected cavity and removal of foreign material. Adherence to basic principles of treating surgical infection is necessary for a good result. Prevention of treatment failure demands a conscious attention by the patient to personal hygiene to avoid accumulation of debris and repeat occurrence of the pathophysiologic process. Adequate surgical management can be performed on ambulatory outpatients with tolerable discomfort. This method features a minimal loss of man-days and an acceptable recurrence rate. A major advantage is cost-effectiveness.