What is "packing", and do I need it? "Packing" doesn't mean that your pilonidal cyst is going on a trip! Packing refers to the situation where an abscess (pocket of infection) is drained (lanced) and filled with gauze; or a situation where a surgical wound separates, and is filled with gauze. The concept behind thisRead more
In 2021 Dr. Immerman published an article titled "The Bascom Cleft Lift as a Solution for All Presentations of Pilonidal Disease". This was the first study proposing that any kind of pilonidal problem, ranging from small symptomatic pits, to recurrent sinuses, to large perianal wounds - can be successfully treated with the cleft lift procedure.Read more
Is a cleft lift for mild pilonidal disease like "going after a fly with an elephant gun"? Many surgeons feel that for very severe pilonidal disease the cleft lift is the best option when performed by an experienced pilonidal surgeon. But, what is the best approach for patients with mild disease? This is a veryRead more
In October of 2024 Dr. Immerman presented several lectures on his surgical technique and results with the cleft lift procedure to an international audience of pilonidal surgeons and physicians at Medipol University in Istanbul, Turkey. Many world leaders and innovators in this area of surgery were present, including Dr. Immerman and Dr. Daniels, as wellRead more