Though not considered by most doctors to be major surgery, pilonidal cyst surgery can be a big or small procedure depending on the size and complications of the cyst. Generally, a doctor will not make any guarantee that the problem will be totally corrected or cured by the pilondal cyst surgery.

A pilonidal cyst is a cyst located at the bottom of the tailbone that can become infected and possibly filled with pus. Once the cyst becomes infected, it is then referred to as pilonidal abscess. The cyst looks like a large pimple located at the bottom of the tailbone, just above the crack of the buttocks. Pilonidal cyst surgery is more common in men as they are more prone to the condition.

Most doctors believe that ingrown hairs cause pilonidal cysts. The word pilonidal literally means "nest of hair." During pilonidal cyst surgery, it is common for the surgeon to find hair follicles inside the cyst.

Another theory regarding the cause of pilonidal cysts is that they tend to appear after trauma to the tailbone area. During World War II, thousands of soldiers developed pilonidal cysts that often required pilonidal cyst surgery. The common opinion was that the cysts were due to an irritation caused by riding in bumpy Jeeps. Thus, for a while, the condition was actually called "Jeep Disease."

Generally, during pilonidal cyst surgery, the surgeon will go in and remove the cyst. The hole will either be left open for continued treatment, sewn up or in some extreme cases, a skin graft may be used.

When the surgery area from the pilonidal cyst surgery is left open, there is less likelihood of recurrence. However, the area can take up to 2 months before it is fully healed and the wound will require daily treatment for at least as long. Pilonidal cyst surgery will not require a stay in the hospital and most patients will want to rest completely for about a week.

With or without pilonidal cyst surgery, prevention is the key. If the patient is quite hairy in the area that cysts occur, shaving may a good option. Keeping the area clean is a must. Using an anti-ingrown hair solution may also work. A little prevention attention may help avoid the need for pilonidal cyst surgery.