05-17-2007, 04:36 AM
An 18-year-old white male comes to your office complaining of rectal pain and drainage. Examination reveals that the drainage is not from the rectum at all, but from the area above the gluteal cleft in the lower back. Erythema, induration, and purulent drainage are noted. The diagnosis of a pilonidal abscess is made. The patient™s past history is otherwise unremarkable, as is the remainder of his examination.
Which one of the following is the best treatment?
Watchful waiting, as this condition often heals spontaneously
Oral antibiotics
Parenteral antibiotics
Incision and drainage with packing
Which one of the following is the best treatment?
Watchful waiting, as this condition often heals spontaneously
Oral antibiotics
Parenteral antibiotics
Incision and drainage with packing