Pilonidal disease: long-term results of follicle removal.

Pilonidal disease is treated by follicle removal and lateral drainage. The method is suited to outpatient management and gives minimal disability and good long-term control. Other treatment methods for management of the unhealed midline pilonidal incision are discussed. Results are satisfactory to as long as nine years on follow-up. Microphotographs demonstrate that pilonidal disease arises from hair follicles in the skin.