The profound mental toll of unsuccessful surgeries necessitates support beyond surgical repair.
In the select patient who has undergone one or more failed pilonidal operations by non-specialist(s), corrective surgery is only part of the healing process. The pilonidal surgical failure is too often interwoven with patient-blame, stigmatization, and even subtle abandonment by the provider. Unpacking the psychosocial impact of the experience shares equal if not superior importance in treating the whole patient. Only when physician, patient and/or family agree that it is warranted, our social worker will conduct a telemedicine session approximately 30 minutes in length. A full assessment of needs is conducted, and a plan to meet those needs is implemented. Recommendations range from stress-coping activities to support group participation to ongoing counseling sessions. Whatever the need, restoration of mind, body, and spirit is the ultimate goal.