What is a pilonidal sinus?

The pilonidal sinus is a small hole or channel under the skin and has pus or inflamed fluid accumulation that may also contain blood. It often occurs in the cleft, at the lower back, or at the top of the buttocks.
 

Pilonidal sinus may also contain hair and dirt that may cause pain, foul-smelling pus, and blood discharge. It develops when the hair at the top of the cleft gets pushed inside the body, causing dirt to move inside. 
 

What are the causes of pilonidal sinus?

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• Sitting for long hours

• Wearing tight clothes

• Hair puncture

• Hormonal imbalance

• Rubbing of the skin
   

What are the symptoms of pilonidal sinus?

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• Foul-smelling discharge

• Bleeding from the opening of the skin

• Marks just above the crack of the buttocks

• Pain while sitting and standing

• Hair protruding from the lesion

What are the risk factors for pilonidal sinus?

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• Dermatological conditions like Hidradenitis suppurativa

• Sedentary and inactive lifestyle

• Long hours of sitting

• Excess body hair

• Obesity

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What are the treatment options for happens during pilonidal sinus?

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Pilonidal sinus surgery can be done by

1. Open Surgery

2. Laser Surgery

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Open Surgery - Excision with Flap Closure

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In open surgery, incisions are made around the affected area till the full depth of the sinus tract is reached and the affected area is removed totally. Reconstruction is done by mobilizing flaps from near by buttock and drain tubes are placed

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Laser Surgery - PiLAC

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PiLAC stands for Pilonidal Sinus Laser Assisted Closure. Here the sinus tract is probed and all branching tracts are identified, irrigated and seperated. The sinus tract is then excised using a specialised biopsy instrument and sent for analysis. The cavity is then ablated with Laser Energy
 

Which is the best surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus?

 

Laser surgery is considered the best surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus. Laser surgery is an advanced way to treat this problem most effectively.
 

What are the benefits of choosing laser surgery for pilonidal sinus?

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• Advanced Procedure

• Cosmetic

• Painless

• High Efficacy

• No Incisions

• No Flaps

• No Drains

• Day Care Procedure

• Early Return to Work

 

How much time does it take to recover after pilonidal sinus surgery?

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The recovery depends on the type of surgery you undergo for pilonidal sinus. After open surgery, you may need one week of hospitalization. Complete recovery takes around two weeks.

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However, laser surgery is a daycare procedure. You can resume your daily routine from the very next day. Follow-up dressings are done every alternate day till the cavity closes fully