Pilonidal Sinus Treatment and Prevention Methods

Posted by Heaing Hands Clinic on January 9th, 2020

“Pilonidal Sinus” is an Italian term, which means a nest of hair, highlighting the main cause of the disease – ingrown hair. It’s a less known ailment but is common among the young generation, especially males between an age group of 20 to 30. A pilonidal cyst is a cystic structure developed along the coccyx region (tailbone) in the cleft of the buttocks, located almost 4-5 cm from the anus. This cyst is filled with hair, bacteria and skin debris.

Causes of Pilonidal Sinus

• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Sitting for a long period of time
• Obesity
• Thick body hairs
• Having deep cleft between the buttocks.

Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus

If there is no infection in the cyst then pilonidal sinus can be treated through medication, otherwise, surgery is recommended. Conventional surgery is performed under local anesthesia to remove all the debris and abscess from the cyst. However, recurrence is common, as it is estimated to occur in approximately 40%-50% of individuals. At Healing Hands Clinic, Excision & Primary Closure and LPP (Laser Pilonidoplasty) are used for successful pilonidal sinus treatment in Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Bengaluru.

1. Excision with Primary Closure: In this procedure, abscess and sinus are removed surgically and the wound is closed with stitches. The advantage of this technique is healing is faster and takes only 4- weeks. The main drawback is the infection rate is 20-25%. 
2. LPP (Laser Pilonidoplasty): This procedure is done using Leonardo Laser and the laser was introduced first time in India at Healing Hands Clinic. A small incision is made and pus is drained out. After that tract is sealed with a laser fiber.

Advantages of LPP:

• The patient is discharged within 24 hours and can return to normal work within 5 days of surgery.
• Healing is done within 6-8 weeks.
• The recurrence rate is negligible.

Pilonidal Sinus Prevention Methods

Pilonidal Sinus can be prevented if the following care is taken:

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Avoid sitting in one place for long hours.
• Remove hair from the affected area with razor or hair removal cream.