Pilonidal cyst incision and drainage is a relatively simple procedure. A pilonidal cystectomy is more complex, but may be more effective at preventing recurrence.

The most common type of pilonidal cyst surgery is incision and drainage, but a surgeon will remove the cyst if it recurs or a person has continuing difficulties with it. Learn more.

Incision and drainage (I&D) is not the preferred method for cyst removal, as it can recur. But in cases where the cyst is infected, it becomes difficult to remove the cyst entirely.

Seven had cyst gastrostomies, 2 cyst jejunostomies, and 1 a cyst duodenostomy. Figure 1 shows the variations in location of the cysts that determined the site of drainage into the different viscera.