HomeAnswersGeneral Surgerypilonidal cyst

I have a pilonidal cyst on my tailbone. What must I expect?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a pilonidal cyst on my tailbone, and I would like to ask

  1. What are the risks?
  2. What is the success rate?
  3. How long do I have to be in the hospital?
  4. How long until I can go and work or be my normal self?

Please suggest.
Answered by Dr. Subhadeep Tripathy

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Subhadeep Tripathy is an accomplished General Surgeon and Fellow of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons. He specializes in advanced minimal‑access surgery, including laparoscopic management of hernias, peritonitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and vascular malformations. He excels at precise surgical diagnosis, patient-centered perioperative care, and post‑surgical rehabilitation planning. Fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi, Oriya, and Tamil.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is very evident from your query that you have a pilonidal cyst. This condition is mostly common in males sex and more common in hairy people. I will ask you a few questions, and your cooperation will be invaluable.

What is your profession? Do you have to drive for long hours, and what is the duration of the swelling? This is very important because this condition is common in drivers. The hair from the back or above the natal cleft penetrates through the skin, causing a cyst, and it can get infected and cause a pilonidal sinus with serous or pus discharge. Surgery is the treatment.

Now I will answer the queries one by one. There is no risk for the surgery as such, but if you have diabetes, your sugars have to be controlled. You have to make sure that you trim the hair over the anal region, as I have already mentioned that it is common in hairy males. So if you do not trim your hair near the anal region, it can recur. You should get an X-ray sacral region to rule out osteomyelitis. Success rate 70 to 80 % depending on the size. You have to be in the hospital for three to four days. You can work normally after 7 to 10 days. You have to keep your anal region clean to avoid infection.

I hope I have answered your query.

Revert in case you have any other doubts.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At December 16, 2019
Reviewed At January 2, 2026

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Subhadeep Tripathy is an accomplished General Surgeon and Fellow of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons. He specializes in advanced minimal‑access surgery, including laparoscopic management of hernias, peritonitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and vascular malformations. He excels at precise surgical diagnosis, patient-centered perioperative care, and post‑surgical rehabilitation planning. Fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi, Oriya, and Tamil.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Subhadeep Tripathy
Dr. Subhadeep Tripathy

General Surgery

Consult this doctor

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Subhadeep Tripathy is an accomplished General Surgeon and Fellow of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons. He specializes in advanced minimal‑access surgery, including laparoscopic management of hernias, peritonitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and vascular malformations. He excels at precise surgical diagnosis, patient-centered perioperative care, and post‑surgical rehabilitation planning. Fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi, Oriya, and Tamil.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

I am in excruciating butt pain when I sit, walk or stand. Is this due to a cyst?

What is the best posture to avoid pain in legs?

Can local anesthesia under sedation be used to decrease pain while suturing?

When can pain revoke after bone tuberculosis treatment?

What are the risks and succes rate associated with pilonidal cyst surgery?

After a fall, I have pain in my right lower back. What shall I do?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

pilonidal cyst

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Surgery

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.