Treatment

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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.

Icon information overview
  • Dr. Bärtl treats pilonidal cysts exclusively using minimally invasive methods, avoiding major surgery
  • Gentle and modern treatment options with or without laser
  • The choice of treatment method is made individually, depending on the stage of the pilonidal cyst
  • Outpatient all-in-one appointments available in Nuremberg, also for patients from outside Germany
  • Emergency treatment for acute pilonidal cysts is available at short notice

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.

Operation of coccyx fistula
Steißbeinfistel Spezialist Dr. Bärtl - Proktologie Nürnberg

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.

Diagnosis via ultrasound

Acute Pilonidal Cyst – Emergency Treatment in Nuremberg

Man with strong pain who needs an emergy treatment of an acute pilonidal cyst

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.

Dr. Bärtl, specialist for treatment of pilonidal cyst

The Sinus Center offers the following minimally invasive methods:

Pit PickingLaser-Pit Picking (LPP)Minimally invasive fistulectomyLaser OP – LAPS ProcedureCLEAR-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.

That speaks for us

Icon Many years of experience

Many years of experience

Icon Focus on coccyx fistula treatment

Focus on coccygeal fistula treatment

Icon Emphatic team

Empathetic team

Icon Short waiting times in the practice

Short waiting times in the practice

Icon Gentle laser treatment

Gentle laser treatment

Icon Modern practice rooms and a relaxed atmosphere

Modern practice rooms and a relaxed atmosphere

That speaks for us

Icon Many years of experience

Many years of experience

Icon Focus on coccyx fistula treatment

Focus on coccyx fistula treatment

Icon Emphatic team

Empathetic team

Icon Short waiting times in the practice

Short waiting times in the practice

Icon Gentle laser treatment

Gentle laser treatment

Icon Modern practice rooms and a relaxed atmosphere

Modern practice rooms and a relaxed atmosphere

Advantages of minimally invasive techniques

Minimally invasive surgeries offer several advantages over major operations. In nearly all cases, Dr. Bärtl uses this type of surgical treatment to address pilonidal cysts, whether chronic or acute.

  • Shorter healing time
  • Patients recover more quickly
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Quick return to sports and recreational activities
  • Fast return to work, even for those with sedentary jobs
  • Lower risk of recurrence

Treatment process

Typical symptoms and causes of Pilonidal Sinus

Statistically, pilonidal cysts primarily affect young men. However, in his extensive experience, Dr. Bärtl has successfully treated many women with this condition as well. The disease can affect both men and women, and there is no need to feel ashamed of it.

Friction causes hairs to grow into altered hair follicles in the area of the gluteal cleft, leading to the formation of so-called pits. Additionally, prolonged sitting increases the risk of developing a cyst. Initially, patients are usually symptom-free and experience no pain or other issues—these only arise when an acute abscess forms. Symptoms that may indicate a pilonidal cyst include:

  • Small openings (pits, in the early stages)
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Palpable hardening
  • Redness of the tissue
  • Discharge of pus or bloody fluid
  • In rare cases, fever
Woman with pain and itching due to pilonidal cyst

Self-Treatment of a Pilonidal Cyst

Warm compresses, drawing ointments, and garlic are just a few of the home remedies said to help with a pilonidal cyst. Unfortunately, a pilonidal cyst can only be permanently removed through surgery. While various home remedies may provide temporary relief from symptoms, they do not address the root of the problem. Some treatments may even cause skin irritation and worsen the pain.

Therefore, the rule is: At the first signs of a pilonidal cyst, you should immediately book an appointment with Dr. Bärtl, the expert. Feelings of shame are misplaced—our treatment is comprehensive and tissue-sparing. Emergency rooms typically cannot provide this type of care and tend to excise the pilonidal cyst extensively. For this reason, our practice always reserves emergency appointments for acute abscesses. Feel free to contact us directly through the contact form.

Recovery After Pilonidal Cyst Surgery

The healing process after surgery using minimally invasive methods is much shorter than after major surgeries, which are often performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the job and the extent of the cyst, patients are typically given a medical leave of 3 to 14 days. After pilonidal cyst surgery, wounds remain on the surface of the skin and should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection. Thanks to the gentle method, pain is usually minimal and tends to improve within 5 to 7 days, depending on the size of the cyst. Mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen are almost always sufficient to effectively manage discomfort.

We offer digital post-operative care in our practice, ensuring safe follow-up care for patients living further away.

Treating Recurrences of a Pilonidal Cyst

In our practice, we also treat recurrences—situations where a large-scale operation has already been performed, but a new fistula has developed. Dr. Bärtl selects the treatment method based on the cause of the recurrence and the previous treatment. Whenever possible, he treats chronic inflammation and acute symptoms using minimally invasive laser techniques. Even in complicated cases, Dr. Bärtl is an experienced and knowledgeable specialist.

Good to know: Patients who have already undergone surgery can often still be treated with a fistulectomy or the LAPS procedure.

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:

  • Examination by ultrasound & subsequent surgery on the same day
  • Only 1 appointment necessary
  • Online support for aftercare
  • No hospital stay, no general anesthesia

Sinus-Center
Patient reviews

Frequent questions about Pilonidal Cyst operation

I have noticed a change in the area of my gluteal cleft, or my doctor has already diagnosed a pilonidal cyst (sinus pilonidalis). What should I do?

Feel free to use our contact form. Here, you can provide your contact details, and we will get in touch with you within 24 hours. You can even upload a picture in this form, which will allow me to assess your situation and give you an initial evaluation. You can then decide whether you would like to come in for an examination first or have both the examination and the minor procedure done on the same day. This option is often chosen by patients traveling from further away.

Which doctor to consult if you suspect a pilonidal cyst?



If you suspect a pilonidal cyst or have already been diagnosed with one, it is important to consult a specialist with experience in treating this specific condition. Specialists in proctology, colorectal surgery, and general surgery are usually trained in diagnosing and treating pilonidal cysts. Dr. Bärtl is a recognized expert in the field of pilonidal cysts and has extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment. He offers a wide range of modern treatment options tailored to the individual case and the specific needs of each patient.

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?



No, please don’t. With such extensive procedures (“butcher method”), the largest wounds usually occur – this can be prevented in almost all cases. I perform small incisions to drain the abscess, which leads to relief from symptoms within 1-2 days. A few weeks later, the minimally invasive surgery can be carried out, avoiding large-scale removal and, consequently, a large wound.

How can I get an appointment as quickly as possible?



Due to my specialization, patients with pilonidal cysts have the opportunity to get an appointment at very short notice, often within a few days. The quickest way to get an appointment, often on the same day, is through the Jameda appointment portal. Alternatively, I have a contact form that will be answered within 24 hours. Current staffing shortages make the phone the most challenging option, so online appointment booking or the contact form are the fastest ways to reach us.

Do I need to visit you twice?

No – I offer so-called all-in-one appointments. These are not only intended for patients traveling from afar but are generally available to all patients. On our website, you will find all the information about pilonidal cyst treatment, so you can be well-informed in advance. In a single appointment, we can conduct the examination, discuss the results and surgical strategy together, and then proceed directly with the procedure. Of course, you also have the option to first come for a consultation in my office and then schedule a separate appointment for the surgery after the consultation.

What are the advantages of the laser?

The advantages are areduced trauma to the tissue, resulting in shorter wound healing time, less pain, and minimized downtime.

Will I experience pain during the treatment?

No, the local anesthesia is administered in a special mixture, so that you usually won’t experience any discomfort even during the anesthesia process. If desired, a numbing cream (e.g., Emla cream) can be applied before the treatment, ensuring that even the small pricks from the very thin needles are not felt. During the procedure itself, you will feel nothing.

How long does the surgery take?



Depending on the size of the cyst, the surgery lasts between 10 and 40 minutes. However, you should plan to spend about 1.5 hours at the practice, which includes preparation, examination, time for the anesthesia to take effect, and post-procedure observation.

Do I really need to undergo general anesthesia for such a procedure?

No. I perform 99% of procedures under local anesthesia. This can be done painlessly, so there is no need to worry. You can bring headphones and listen to music or an engaging audiobook to help distract yourself and make the time pass more quickly.

Do I need to stay in the hospital after the pilonidal cyst surgery?



I perform 99% of all pilonidal cyst surgeries on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia, meaning everything is done in one day, and you can go home the same day. A hospital stay is not necessary, and general anesthesia is typically not required.

I have a long journey home. Do I need to stay overnight in Nuremberg?

Most of my patients can travel home directly after the procedure. During the first 24 hours after such a procedure, the majority of patients experience minimal discomfort, making the journey home generally uncomplicated. In fact, the pressure from sitting can even reduce the likelihood of post-operative bleeding.

How long will I be on sick leave?



In contrast to the large and radical surgeries (butcher method), the recovery time with the gentle procedures I use for my patients is much shorter. The length of sick leave depends on the cyst and your profession. Typically, a sick leave of 3 to 14 days is sufficient.

Do I need to be afraid of the surgery?

No! With the many surgeries Dr. Bärtl has performed, there is a tailored solution for every situation, which usually leads to success. The discomfort during the procedure is minimal, and you can go home directly after the surgery without needing to stay overnight in a clinic. You also don’t need general anesthesia, as all procedures can be done under local anesthesia.

How long do I have to wait for a surgery appointment?

Since we reserve many slots for surgeries, we can usually accommodate our patients on short notice. In emergencies, you can contact us at any time.

Do I need to fast?

Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, fasting is not necessary. In fact, eating and drinking before the surgery is encouraged to help keep your circulation stable after the procedure.

Are there follow-up examinations?

Follow-up appointments are available for all patients for check-ups and hair removal in the practice. For patients traveling long distances, aftercare is provided digitally, which works very well and is widely accepted.

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?

This cannot be definitively answered. Depending on the complexity of the pilonidal cyst and the type of materials used (e.g., whether a special laser probe is required), the costs range between €800 and €1,500.

Can a cyst reoccur?

Unfortunately, a cyst can indeed recur. Depending on the technique used, the likelihood of recurrence is between 10 and 15%. In our experience, additional measures such as post-surgery shaving or long-term laser hair removal can significantly reduce the risk of a recurrent pilonidal cyst in many cases.

I have already undergone major surgery for a pilonidal cyst. Will I never be able to get it under control again?

First, take a deep breath. There are excellent options for managing recurring symptoms of a pilonidal cyst, even after major surgeries, through gentle procedures that promote healing. In the initial examination, I identify the cause of the recurrence. After this, a targeted, limited procedure is performed to address and resolve the underlying issue. This approach can give hope to patients who have undergone multiple extensive surgeries, helping them regain control over the problem.

I have already had surgery using a minimally invasive technique or Pit Picking. Do I now need to undergo major surgery?

No! There is usually a reason why the pilonidal cyst has recurred after a previous surgery. I will try to identify this cause during an examination. Once the cause is addressed, you have a very good chance of being successfully treated through a similar or modified procedure.

How long does healing take after pilonidal cyst surgery?

The healing time depends on the size and stage of the pilonidal cyst. The type of treatment also affects the duration and course of healing.

Memberships

Logo of the Professional Association of Coloproctologists in Germany e.V.
Logo German Society for Coloproctology
Logo International Pilonidal Society