Removal of a pilonidal cyst is a procedure for draining or removing a cyst near the tailbone.

If acutely infected this procedure may be done to open and drain an infected pilonidal cyst prior to surgical excision. A pilonidal cyst is a saclike structure under the skin. It usually happens in the crease just above the buttocks, near the tailbone. Most of the time it contains hair. It can become infected and cause a recurrent abscess. If infected it usually needs to be drained prior to surgical excision (removal) of the cyst.