Background:

Pilonidal disease describes the occurrence of a cyst, abscess or sinus tract located near or on the natal cleft of the buttocks that contains hair and skin debris, it affects predominantly men and is notable for affecting relatively young patients (15-35 years) and having long healing time. Aim: This study will create a literature review of patients' experience of their post-surgical wounds after surgery for removal of pilonidal sinus tracts, abscess or cysts. By highlighting issues encountered by patients after surgery this study aims to provide nurses with insight as to the specific needs of this group of patients. Method: Literature review based on scientific articles. Eight articles were selected and analyzed. Articles were searched for in the databases; CINAHL, and Pubmed available through University West. Results: Results of this review formed two distinct categories. Firstly pain was identified as a category, this contained subcategories of; pain due to dressing change, sitting and walking post-operatively, pain and analgesia and post-operative pain due to differing operative technique. Secondly embarrassment was identified as a category, this divided into the subcategories of; embarrassment due to malodour and embarrassment connected to altered body image. Conclusion: Pain and embarrassment during extended healing periods may have a significant effect on a patients' quality of life. As the primary patient contact point due to frequent dressing changes, the nurse has the ability to improve patient experience through a combination of applied practice and patient education to improve personal wound