If you have reached here, then without a doubt, a recurring pilonidal cyst must be pestering you. To treat this condition you need an expert as fixing it on your own is not possible. Now, which doctor should you consult? Or rather you are trying to find what doctor treats pilonidal cyst ? But before we get there let’s take a look at what is a pilonidal cyst and its symptoms.
Pilonidal cyst and its symptoms
An infection that occurs in the form of a cyst in the upper cleft of the buttocks is referred to as a pilonidal cyst or sinus. The symptoms may include pain, swelling, and redness of the buttocks. In some cases, you might also find fluid draining from the cyst. At times, the condition might also manifest in fever. However, it is quite rare to have a fever. If you are suffering from the condition then it is essential to get the treatment as early as possible. This will help in the prevention of spreading the infection to other parts of the body. It will also minimize the risk of recurrence.
Self-diagnosing the condition can lead to a faulty prognosis. Therefore, you should find a reliable and observant doctor who can help you with the diagnosis efficiently. Now the answer to the question, “which doctor to consult for a Pilonidal cyst?”, is a Proctologist or an anorectal surgeon? A proctologist is a pilonidal cyst surgeon who is well-experienced in treating such conditions.
What are the things to consider while choosing a Pilonidal cyst surgeon?
Choose your doctor wisely. It is important to ensure that the doctor is attentive to you when you speak and thoroughly discusses the treatment options available. Therefore, while choosing the right pilonidal cyst specialist near you, consider the following:
- Qualification of the doctor
- How skillful is the surgeon?
- How experienced is the surgeon in treating the condition?
In addition to the above points, the following are the important points that you must consider regarding the pilonidal cyst surgeon:
Demand for a specialist
When seeking the treatment of a pilonidal cyst, it is important to ensure that the doctor is a specialist. And the most suitable professional is the pilonidal cyst surgeon. They are highly trained in their field of expertise and address the condition day in and day out. Hence, you can entrust your safety and well-being to them.
Medically certified
Before you settle down with the anorectal surgeon for the treatment, make sure that their medical certification is valid. Moreover, the doctor must be certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery to start their practice as a proctologist.
Experience and skill
A well-experienced proctologist must be in the capacity to diagnose diseases and conditions related to the rectum and anus. They must be able to treat them. Therefore, making sure that the surgeon you choose is trained to perform surgical procedures and other diagnostic tests will help avoid complications.
A good proctologist must:
- Be observant and pay attention to details
- Be compassionate
- Have strong analytical skills
- Possess strong interpersonal skills
- Have communication skills
- Empathize
- Be able to solve medical issues
- Make correct decisions
- Up-to-date with the latest medical technology
- Keep up with particular treatment details
Adaptability
Healthcare is always evolving. There are always new developments emerging in the field of medical sciences. Besides, doctors, especially surgeons, must dedicatedly learn new techniques, skills, and treatments to address specific health conditions.
Check reviews
To have a better understanding of the professionalism of the staff and the specialist, check out the reviews and testimonials of previous clients. You can also try google searching about the surgeon or take a look at the patient feedback. This way you will get to know some of the important things that you need to know like:
- Appointment schedule
- Wait time
- The bedside manner of the doctor
- Quality of the care services, etc.
Questions to ask yourself
When you choose a proctologist, it is important to choose a specialist who can be easily communicated with and reciprocates your queries in a language easy to understand. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you are with the right proctologist:
- Does the doctor give you satisfactory answers to all your queries?
- Are you able to trust the doctor?
- Can you speak with ease to the doctor regarding your medical history and your health condition?
Furthermore,
- Does the doctor thoroughly discuss the available treatment options with you?
- How experienced is the doctor in treating conditions similar to yours?
- Is the doctor able to make you clearly understand the complications associated with your condition?
When to consult a pilonidal cyst surgeon?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst then speak to your primary healthcare provider immediately. They may be able to refer you to a pilonidal cyst surgeon who can help with your diagnosis and prognosis of your condition. You need to see an anorectal surgeon if you experience the following symptoms:
- A pit at the upper cleft of your buttocks
- Inflammation near the anus
- Foul smelling drainage
- Draining of pus or blood
- Fever, fatigue, and nausea
- Pain and discomfort in the anal area
