Pilonidal sinus is a medical condition that occurs due to the formation of a cyst or abscess in the cleft of the buttocks. The condition is more common in men than women and usually affects people who sit for longer periods.
There are two types of pilonidal sinus - acute pilonidal sinus and chronic pilonidal sinus.
Acute pilonidal sinus is a one-time problem, and it doesn't recur once treated. The most common symptom is pain and tenderness in the area around the natal cleft. The affected area may also be red and swollen. Acute pilonidal sinus is usually caused by an infection, which can be bacterial or fungal in nature.
Chronic pilonidal sinus is a long-term condition that becomes severe over a period of time. The symptoms of chronic pilonidal sinus are similar to those of acute pilonidal sinus, but they may be more severe. In chronic cases, the affected area may develop a small pit or sinus that drains pus. The condition may also cause recurrent infections, which can lead to the formation of abscesses.
Pilonidal sinus can be treated with medications and home remedies in initial stage. Surgical treatment for severe cases of pilonidal sinus is necessary to remove the sinus tract and prevent the recurrence of the condition.
Pilonidal sinus can be diagnosed by an experienced proctologist. During the consultation, the doctor may ask you about your medical condition, medical history etc. The most commonly performed tests for the diagnosis of pilonidal sinus include:
To diagnose pilonidal sinus, your doctor will first physically examine the affected area. They will look for signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness. They may also look for signs of infection, such as the presence of pus or drainage.
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to get a better understanding of the severity of the condition or the chances of any other complications.
If your doctor suspects that you have pilonidal sinus, they may also perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, your doctor will take a small sample of tissue from the affected area and send it to a lab for analysis. This can help confirm the diagnosis and find out other possible conditions.
Surgery is often recommended for pilonidal sinus because it is a condition that tends to recur. The main goal of surgery is to remove the affected tissue and prevent the formation of new pilonidal sinuses.
Several surgical techniques can be used to treat pilonidal sinus, including:
During lancing, your doctor will make a small incision in the affected area to drain the abscess and relieve pain and discomfort. This can be done in a doctor's clinic or outpatient setting and is typically followed by wound care and antibiotics. Lancing is often effective in treating pilonidal sinus and may be recommended when other treatments have failed.
There are two common types of open surgery- incision-drainage and pilonidal cystectomy.
Based on the size of the cyst removed, the doctor may or may not pack the area with surgical gauze. In cases where the infection is severe, the doctor places a tube to drain the fluid from the cyst. The tube is only removed when the entire fluid has been collected from the cyst to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Laser pilonidal sinus treatment is a minimally invasive technique that has been proven effective in treating pilonidal sinus. The procedure involves the use of laser energy to destroy the sinus tracts with a few incisions.
This results in faster healing time and reduced risk of complications. Patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few days. Laser treatment is a viable option for those seeking a less invasive approach to pilonidal sinus treatment.
After surgery, patients typically need to keep the area clean and dry to prevent pilonidal sinus infection and promote healing. Pain medication may also be prescribed to manage discomfort. With proper care, most patients can expect to make a full recovery within a few weeks.
Pilonidal sinus laser surgery offers various benefits, including;