Pilonidal cyst removal is a common treatment option for individuals who have developed a pilonidal cyst, which is an abnormal pocket in the skin at the base of the tailbone, usually caused by an embedded hair. This condition is most frequently seen in young men. Risk factors that may contribute to developing a pilonidal cyst include leading and inactive lifestyle, being obese, and having an occupation that requires long periods of time in a sitting position.
If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, it can be extremely painful, and home remedies or even prescription medications rarely are effective in providing relief. Typically, initial treatment will involve draining the cyst with a small incision. However, for many individuals, drainage is not an effective long-term solution, as pilonidal cysts have a tendency to reoccur. In these cases, a pilonidal cyst removal, also known as a pilonidal cystectomy, may be considered.
Pilonidal cyst removal is a more extensive surgery than cyst drainage, and involves completely removing the affected tissue. There are many different ways to remove a pilonidal cyst and your surgeon will discuss with you which option they feel is the most appropriate for your specific needs.
Nationally Recognized Care
Tampa General Hospital’s Endoscopy Center is a leading destination for patients dealing with pilonidal cysts. In fact, Tampa General Hospital is recognized as Top 20 in the Nation and the Highest-Ranked Hospital in Florida for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes physicians, surgeons, and other specialists, is committed to upholding the highest standards of care and developing tailored treatment solutions to help our patients find relief.
To find a colon and rectal surgeon who performs pilonidal cyst removal, access Tampa General Hospital’s Physician Finder or call 1-800-833-3627.
A parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the four parathyroid glands. Located toward the bottom of the neck behind the thyroid, the rice-sized parathyroid glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and helps facilitate healthy nerve and musculoskeletal function. (A thyroidectomy is a similar procedure that removes all or a portion of the thyroid gland rather than the parathyroid glands.)
Tampa General Hospital’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute has performed more parathyroid surgeries than any other hospital in the world. Today, patients from across the globe travel to TGH to undergo parathyroidectomy procedures and receive highly specialized treatment from award-winning surgeons.
When is a Parathyroidectomy Recommended?
Parathyroidectomy procedures are often performed to treat hyperparathyroidism, which occurs when one or multiple parathyroid glands become overactive and produce too much PTH. Hyperparathyroidism spikes blood calcium levels and can lead to complications like kidney stones, osteoporosis and nervous system problems.
A benign parathyroid tumor or an enlarged gland (hyperplasia) are the most common causes of hyperparathyroidism. It’s possible for a cancerous tumor to trigger this condition, although parathyroid cancer is very rare.
What Happens During a Parathyroidectomy Procedure?
During a parathyroidectomy procedure, a surgeon removes one, several or all four parathyroid glands through a small incision. The patient is placed under local or general anesthesia during the operation and does not feel pain.
There are multiple approaches to parathyroidectomy surgery:
- Minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy
- Reoperative parathyroidectomy
- Combined parathyroid and thyroid surgery
What Can I Expect From the Procedure?
Parathyroidectomy procedures cure most cases of hyperparathyroidism and eliminate or significantly improve the symptoms of too much calcium in the blood. And while a parathyroidectomy is considered a safe and effective operation, any medical treatment comes with some measure of risk.
Rare but possible complications of parathyroid surgery include:
- Infection
- Blood loss
- A pooling of blood beneath the skin (hematoma) that causes swelling
- Chronic low calcium levels due to parathyroid gland damage or all four glands being removed (this can usually be addressed by taking supplements)
- Voice nerve injury (rare in our practice)
It may take some time for remaining parathyroid glands to function normally after a parathyroidectomy procedure. Some patients experience hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) during the first few days following surgery that usually resolves on its own.
TGH’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute offers the latest advancements in surgical care, including minimally invasive parathyroidectomies that have a low risk of complications, are performed on an outpatient basis and offer a cure rate of nearly 100%. Our parathyroid surgeons, Drs. Douglas Politz and José López, are considered the most experienced surgeons operating in the world today, having completed more than 35,000 individual parathyroid gland examinations and more than 14,000 parathyroidectomy procedures combined to date.
How Can I Become a Patient at TGH
Call (813) 844-8335 or complete a patient intake form to schedule a consultation at TGH’s Parathyroid & Thyroid Institute. Our friendly staff is here to answer your questions and direct you to the right specialist for you needs.
