Pilonidal Disease

Overview

Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin infection in the crease of the buttocks near the coccyx (tailbone). It can be caused by stiff or excessive hair in the cleft of the buttocks. Excessive sitting and obesity increases the risk for pilonidal disease.

Diagnosis

Pilonidal cysts may become infected and develop into an abscess. Some common symptoms may include:

  • Small dimple above the buttocks
  • Large painful mass
  • Clear, cloudy or bloody fluid drainage from affected area
  • If infected, the area becomes red and tender and the drainage (pus) smells foul
  • If infected, may have fever, nausea or feel ill

Treatment

Common treatment of a Pilonidal Cyst involves drainage, often done in the surgeon’s office. Recurring infections may require more complex procedures under general anesthesia to remove the cyst entirely. Antibiotics are sometimes used in the treatment of anal abscesses.

For any procedure, postsurgical instructions will be provided by your doctor. Wounds must be kept clean and dry until the skin is fully healed. If the wound is left open, dressings or packing are used to help remove secretions and allow the area to heal from the bottom up. Do not use creams, lotions, ointments or salves.

After healing, the skin in the buttocks crease must be kept clean and free of hair. It is necessary to shave or use a hair removal agent every 2 or 3 weeks until the age of 30. After that age, hair shafts thin out and soften and the depth of the buttock cleft lessens. Pilonidal disease can be a chronic, recurring condition so it is important to follow your physician’s postsurgical care instructions. ASCRS: Pilonidal Disease

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From the receptionist greeting me to prep to conversing with the Doctor, everyone was kind and caring. Dr. Dorian Jones actually took the time to answer all of my questions and concerns (with a genuine smile). On my way out, I noticed a staff member bringing water to an elderly gentleman who had been waiting for his ride. This was a great experience. I would highly recommend this office and Dr. Jones!
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Prompt welcome from pleasant front clerk...staff placement MAs very nice too. Saw Scott Zeilstra, PA-C who took the time to explain some issues and review my last imaging. He is always so helpful and knowledgeable, thank you JD
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Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Dorian Jones, MD

Lucas Julien, MD

Razvan Opreanu, MD

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

John Walling, Jr., DO, FACOI

Siaka Yusuf, MD

Our Locations

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?
An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.
How do I get test results?
We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.
What insurances do you accept?
Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?
To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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