Karydakis vs. Cleft Lift for Pilonidal Disease

Karydakis and Bascom cleft-lift operations share an important principle: move the incision away from the deepest midline and reduce the cleft conditions associated with disease. The names do not always describe every technical variation, so patients should ask how their surgeon plans the excision, flap, and final scar position.

Disease extent, prior scars, non-healing wounds, active infection, and the lower end of the cleft can affect planning. A specialist evaluation is more useful than choosing an operation by name alone. See the detailed cleft-lift guide and outcomes framework.