A pilonidal cyst is usually caused by ingrown hairs in the area of the gluteal cleft. These ingrown hairs lead to an inflammation in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, gradually forming small tunnels and cavities under the skin. A stage-appropriate treatment using gentle methods can reliably remove a pilonidal sinus and minimize the risk of recurrence (relapse). Dr. Bärtl is an experienced expert in the safe treatment of pilonidal cysts in Nuremberg. In his practice, he treats patients from all over Germany.
When is a coccyx fistula surgery necessary?
A pilonidal sinus should always be evaluated by an expert. Stage-appropriate treatment is important even if the symptoms are mild or if it is a less severe form. This is because a pilonidal cyst usually becomes inflamed sooner or later, which can cause it to grow larger, leading to various symptoms. Additionally, the cyst may become chronic. Therefore, prompt contact and evaluation are advisable. In modern surgery, there are various gentle treatment options available.
Dr. Klaus Bärtl – Your specialist in Nuremberg
Dr. Klaus Bärtl has been working in surgery for over 15 years. Early in his career, he focused on proctology and has continuously advanced his expertise in this field. For over 6 years, he worked at the highly specialized Proctology Practice in Munich under Dr. Hofer, where he gained extensive experience in treating pilonidal cysts. Having performed over 3,000 sinus operations, he is a specialist in the treatment of pilonidal cysts. With empathy, modern therapies, and vast experience, Dr. Bärtl treats patients locally in Nuremberg.
Dr. med. Klaus Bärtl
Visceral Surgery & Proctology
Diagnosis using Ultrasound: Safe Pilonidal Cyst Treatment
An accurate diagnosis is crucial for selecting the appropriate therapy. Since the cyst lies beneath the skin’s surface, the exact extent of the fistula tract and any cavities can best be determined using ultrasound. In the surgical treatment of a pilonidal cyst, our principle is: as little as possible, as much as necessary. Therefore, Dr. Bärtl uses ultrasound before every treatment to assess the actual extent of the cyst. This approach helps us avoid unnecessarily large procedures and invasive therapies. Once the size of the cyst has been determined, Dr. Bärtl will advise you on the next steps.
You are in safe hands with our expert on-site. The consultation and examination take place in a relaxed and discreet atmosphere.
Acute Pilonidal Cyst – Emergency Treatment in Nuremberg
Dr. Bärtl treats acute pilonidal sinuses by carefully opening the abscess. This approach prevents the fistula from enlarging and relieves pressure pain. The acute inflammation typically subsides within the next two to three days, and the fistula tract can be treated minimally invasively after about 2-3 weeks, possibly with the aid of a laser.
In our practice in Nuremberg, we are also available for emergencies!
Since an acutely inflamed pilonidal cyst can cause severe pain, many patients opt to visit an emergency facility, where the inflamed cyst is often excised very extensively. This procedure, sometimes referred to as the “butcher method” or “butcher cut,” usually leaves very large wounds that take several months to heal and result in prolonged downtime. We aim to avoid this type of intervention and its consequences through our more conservative approach.
Treatment Options for Pilonidal Cysts
Depending on the diagnosis and stage of the condition, there are different ways to treat a pilonidal cyst. In our practice, Dr. Bärtl specializes in minimally invasive techniques. This approach preserves the surrounding tissue in the gluteal cleft area as much as possible while thoroughly removing the cyst, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Bärtl follows the principle: as much as necessary, as little as possible. All surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia, resulting in only very small wounds.
In the following section, we will briefly describe the four methods we use in our practice to treat a pilonidal cyst. If you would like more information about the condition and its treatment, we would be happy to advise you during our consultation hours.
The Sinus Center offers the following minimally invasive methods:
Pit Picking | Laser-Pit Picking (LPP) | Minimally invasive fistulectomy | Laser OP – LAPS Procedure | CLEAR-Methode |
Pit Picking
In the Pit Picking procedure, the visibly altered hair follicles—known as pits—are removed. The Pit Picking operation takes about 15 minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. This method has a long tradition in the treatment of pilonidal cysts. Dr. Bärtl particularly uses this technique for small and superficial cysts, as it offers very good results and a high chance of healing with minimal intervention. For deeper or more extensive cysts, other techniques are recommended, as they carry a significantly lower risk of recurrence (the cyst reappearing).
Laser Pit-Picking (LPP)
After extensive development, Dr. Bärtl is now able to offer a new technique for treating pilonidal cysts, utilizing laser technology. This procedure is known as “Laser Pit Picking (LPP)” and has now become a well-established method that can be offered as an additional minimally invasive technique in the fight against pilonidal cysts. In this procedure, no scalpels or incisions are used. Instead, the pits are treated with a specially designed laser probe that emits light forward.
Minimally invasive fistulectomy – with and without laser
The minimally invasive sinusectomy (or fistulectomy), with or without laser, is used for advanced pilonidal cysts. In these cases, the fistula is more extensive, spreading from the pits along the depth of the gluteal cleft, either upwards or towards the anus. During the fistulectomy, the fistula is removed from beneath the skin through one or two small incisions. These openings are made as small as possible. Additionally, the pits are also removed during this procedure. Dr. Bärtl often uses a laser in this treatment, providing patients with a precise approach to addressing the fistula and significantly shortening the healing time compared to traditional surgical methods.
LAPS Procedure (Laser Ablation of Pilonidals Sinus)
- In the LAPS Procedure, the pits are first excised similarly to the Pit Picking method. Afterward, the fistula is cleaned of hairs and fistula tissue. Dr. Bärtl then inserts a thin laser probe into the fistula tract or cavity. The targeted energy from the laser light destroys and removes the fistula tissue, the inner fistula wall, and bacteria. During this process, the fistula tract is obliterated and typically scars over without complications as it heals. This method is the most modern and least invasive approach to treating pilonidal cysts. It has only been performed for a few years, and initial results show very good success with low recurrence rates.
However, due to the lack of further scientific evidence, this technique has not yet been included in the German guidelines.
CLEAR method (Curettage and LasEr Ablation and Resection)
- The CLEAR method is used for small fistulas that have only one opening. First, the overlying skin is removed. Dr. Bärtl can then thoroughly clean the inside of the fistula. In the next step, the back wall of the fistula is carefully but completely ablated with a laser.
Since we have public health insurance approval, the entire cost of minimally invasive surgeries and laser procedures is covered by the German statutory health insurance.
Advantages of minimally invasive techniques
Treatment process
Typical symptoms and causes of Pilonidal Sinus
Self-Treatment of a Pilonidal Cyst
Recovery After Pilonidal Cyst Surgery
Treating Recurrences of a Pilonidal Cyst
Your all-in-one appointment at the Sinus Center
At the Sinus Center we offer you treatment of your Pilonidal Sinus in one day, we call it the All-in-One appointment. This offer is particularly practical for patients who have a long journey, as no separate appointments are required in advance. With this option, you forgo a respite as well as the opportunity to obtain a second opinion. Patients from the closer surrounding often prefer to have the examination and the consultation separately before the actual treatment.
Important: Please note that the appointments that can be booked online are for consultation hours only. For an all-in-one surgery appointment, it is necessary to contact us in advance by phone or e-mail to carefully plan all the details of your treatment. This ensures that we can organize the day of your treatment optimally according to your needs.
Your benefits:
Sinus-Center
Patient reviews
Frequent questions about Pilonidal Cyst operation
Which doctor to consult if you suspect a pilonidal cyst?
I am experiencing acute symptoms, severe pain, pressure, swelling, and redness. Do I really need to go to the hospital immediately and have it removed extensively?
How can I get an appointment as quickly as possible?
Do I need to visit you twice?
What are the advantages of the laser?
Will I experience pain during the treatment?
How long does the surgery take?
Do I really need to undergo general anesthesia for such a procedure?
Do I need to stay in the hospital after the pilonidal cyst surgery?
I have a long journey home. Do I need to stay overnight in Nuremberg?
How long will I be on sick leave?
Do I need to be afraid of the surgery?
How long do I have to wait for a surgery appointment?
Do I need to fast?
Are there follow-up examinations?
Will the costs of the surgery be covered by statutory health insurance?
I would like to pay out of pocket or am coming from abroad. How much will the treatment cost?
Can a cyst reoccur?
I have already undergone major surgery for a pilonidal cyst. Will I never be able to get it under control again?
I have already had surgery using a minimally invasive technique or Pit Picking. Do I now need to undergo major surgery?
How long does healing take after pilonidal cyst surgery?