Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: Causes,
Symptoms, and Treatments
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What is Pilonidal Sinus?
An abnormal growth called a pilonidal sinus appears as a tunnel or hole between the buttocks. It is brought on by ingrown hair and frequently affects individuals who have more hair on their buttocks. The abscess that results from the sinus’s accumulation of hair and skin debris is excruciatingly painful. We offer cutting-edge laser procedures that are low-impact and USFDA-approved. With excellent surgical success rates, our specialised proctologists have more than 8 to 10 years of experience treating anorectal illnesses like pilonidal sinus.
What takes place during laser treatment for pilonidal sinuses?
Diagnostics of Pilonidal Sinuses
Proctologists typically only conduct a physical examination to identify a pilonidal sinus. The doctor will examine the buttocks and tailbone for indications of pilonidal sinus, which can appear as a pimple or an oozing sinus. They may question you in order to determine the entire scope of your condition, such as:
- Has the sinus’s appearance changed?
- Is any liquid flowing from the sinuses?
- Do you get pain while seated?
- What other symptoms are you displaying?
Although it is uncommon, the surgeon may request exams like MRIs and CT scans to determine whether any sinus cavities have formed beneath the skin.
Therapy for Pilonidal Sinuses - Since Pilonidal Sinuses do not heal naturally, they require surgical intervention.
How Should I Be Ready For Laser Pilonidal Surgery?
Although there is no specific preparation needed for the surgery, keep the following in mind:
- To reduce the risk of problems, strictly adhere to the surgeon’s pre-surgery recommendations.
- Inform the surgeon in advance if you have a drug or anaesthetic allergy.
- In the days before surgery, abstain from drinking and smoking.
- 8 hours before the surgery, stop eating.
What is the Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery Healing Process?
The full recovery from laser pilonidal sinus surgery takes about 30-45 days. To ensure the lowest possible risk of post-surgery complications, we advise you to adhere to all post-surgery guidelines. Keep in mind the following as well:
- To start, make careful to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection.
- Take regular sitz baths.
- Steer clear of heavy lifting because it puts extra strain on the surgery site.
- Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for applying lotions and ointments.
- Throughout the healing process, refrain from exercise and other intense activity.
- Don’t spend a lot of time sitting on hard surfaces.
Advantages of Pilonidal Sinus Laser Surgery
The advantages of laser surgery for pilonidal sinuses are as follows.
- Considering that the laser primarily focuses on one specific spot during surgery, there is little bleeding and less pain afterwards.
- Scarring is minor following the laser process, and the majority of it will diminish as you heal.
- Increased Precision: By focusing on smaller areas without harming nearby tissues, laser surgery improves precision.
- Day Care Surgery: Anal fistula laser surgery is a day care procedure, meaning that unless the doctor determines otherwise, you will be released the same day.
- A shorter recovery period is required because it is a minimally invasive technique.
What are the Risks Associated with Laser Surgery for the Pilonidal Sinus?
After pilonidal sinus laser surgery, you can have the following side effects, just like with any other surgical procedure:
Infection: During pilonidal sinus surgery, infections might appear at any time. Open surgery or situations where the patient does not allow the site to heal properly increase the risk of the surgical site becoming infected.
Response to anaesthesia: Some patients mention experiencing anaesthetic adverse effects. The patient should see the doctor if the anesthesia’s effects last longer than usual.
What other options are there for treating a pilonidal sinus?
Alternative Remedies For Pilonidal Sinus Include:
- Home remedies include the following, which can be used to relieve symptoms:
- Warm Compress: Applying a hot, moist compress to the sinus many times each day will help empty the pilonidal sinus’ discharge. Moreover, this technique might lessen itching and soreness.
- Relaxing in a bathtub filled with water up to your hips can help ease pain and discomfort. The hip bath is another name for this technique.
- Non-surgical: The doctor may recommend medications to assist manage the symptoms if there are no indications of infection or inflammation. You’ll be expected to practise good hygiene and keep the area clear of hair.
- Surgical: The following are alternative surgical treatments for pilonidal sinus:
- Lancing: This procedure, which relieves abscess symptoms, is carried out while under the influence of local anaesthetic. The doctor next cleans the filth, blood, hair, and debris after opening the abscess with a knife.
- Once the area has been cleaned, the doctor will apply a sterile dressing so that it can begin to heal internally.
Open surgery including incision and drainage is performed under local anaesthetic. To drain the discharge, the surgeon creates an incision in the sinus, which is then gauze-packed and left open to recover. The sinus heals in around 4-6 weeks, and the gauze is changed frequently.
Surgically removing the entire pilonidal sinus is known as a pilonidal sinusotomy. Under local or spinal anaesthesia, this surgery is typically carried out to treat a recurrent pilonidal sinus.
Several pilonidal sinus tracts are treated using Z-plasty. It entails the construction of two triangle flaps with equal sides. There are few recurrences after Z-plasty.
What Takes Place If Pilonidal Sinuses Are Not Treatable in a Prompt Manner?
Untreated pilonidal sinuses can result in a wide range of issues, including the following:
- Abscess Formation: When the sinus is not treated, it becomes infected and develops an abscess that is pus-filled.
- The sinus tract might flow out an unpleasant-smelling discharge.
- Multiple Sinus Tracts: A chronic sinus condition that is left untreated increases the likelihood of numerous sinus tracts developing.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: People are more likely to develop skin cancer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma, if they ignore pilonidal sinus or fail to treat recurring pilonidal sinus.
- Untreated pilonidal sinuses can result in the development of a pilonidal fistula, which is a condition known as a pilonidal fistula-in-ano. It is nevertheless thought to be a rare problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pilonidal sinus can occasionally go away on its own, although recurrence rates are significant.
If you observe a little indentation or a huge, bloated sinus-like growth at the tailbone or between the buttocks, you must seek emergency medical assistance right once. Moreover, the sinus may be dripping fluid that smells bad.
The best position to sleep in after surgery is on your front or side since it eases pressure on the surgical wound. When lying on your side, do not, however, curl up into a foetal position because this will stretch your lower back.
The majority of people require surgery to completely treat a pilonidal sinus. To manage symptoms, you can utilise prescription drugs and natural treatments, though.
The best procedure for treating and removing a pilonidal sinus is laser surgery.
Note for Case Study: Patient information modified for privacy.
A year ago, Mr. Naman, a 33-year-old man from New Delhi, received a diagnosis of pilonidal sinus. His doctors told him that in order to get long-lasting relief, the sinus had to be surgically removed. Naman, however, believed that surgery was a frightening procedure and was reluctant to undergo it.
He conducted online research to help him feel more at ease with the procedure and discovered Pristyn Care, a supporter of laser pilonidal sinus surgery. Naman was aware that laser surgery caused no discomfort or blood loss. In order to speak with his medical care coordinator Dr. Shubham, he called Pristyn Care. Dr. Shubham proposed going Pristyn Care Clinic in Dwarka and seeing Dr. Nikhil, their resident proctologist, after a lengthy conversation. Naman made the decision to enrol the same day.
He was relieved not to have to hurry about when he arrived at the hospital because the Pristyn Care staff had already taken care of all the paperwork and insurance. He underwent successful laser pilonidal sinus surgery and was released from the hospital in about 24 hours.
Within two to three days, he was able to stand up and go back to work. He fully recovered from the operation in a month. He expressed his gratitude to Drs. Shubham and Nikhil and expressed his satisfaction with his experience with Pristyn Care.
What does a pilonidal sinus operation cost in India?
Costs for pilonidal sinus surgery typically range from 40,000 to 55,000 rupees. However, the real cost may vary depending on a number of variables, including the city in where you are receiving treatment, etc. Consequently, it is wise to ask the hospital in advance how much the entire Pilonidal sinus surgery will cost. The following are some variables that may affect how much your Pilonidal Sinus Surgery will cost:
- Selecting a hospital (public or private)
- The proctologist’s fees
- The entire cost of diagnostic procedures before surgery
- Medicines used before and after surgery are expensive.
- Charge nurses
- The cost of hospitalisation (if required)
- Fees for transportation
