One-Stage Excision of Infected Sebaceous Cysts

Students of surgery have been taught to stage the excision of infected sebaceous cysts in two phases. The first is the incision and drainage of the infected sebaceous cyst, and the second the actual excision of the cyst after the infection has completely subsided. It is possible that surgeons have often attempted to treat infected sebaceous cysts in one stage.

We have on many previous occasions attempted to excise infected sebaceous cysts in one stage. Our approach to the problem has gone through various phases and has varied according to the degree of infection in the sebaceous cyst. The use of nonoperative methods such as hot applications, rest, and antibiotics in order to treat infected sebaceous cysts without surgery until the infection subsides is still the best approach in those cases where the infection presents as cellulitis and inflammation rather than true abscess formation. Where suppuration has occurred, we have