Benefits of Laser Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus

Dealing with constant pain near the tailbone? It could be due to a pilonidal sinus that initially appears as a small swelling but gradually turns into a recurring problem. For many patients, it poses great problems when it comes to walking, sitting, and even sleeping.

What begins as a minor infection soon results in purulent discharge, repeated infections and chronic discomfort.

Traditional treatments for pilonidal sinus include surgical intervention that includes excision of the infected tissue, followed by closure of the wounds by stitching. It also had a long recovery period and a higher chance of recurrence.

However, improvements in medical technology have led to the introduction of laser procedures, which offer several benefits for the patients. The method has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to the conventional method and has greatly transformed the way the condition is treated.

If you are still not aware of this modern approach, this blog will explore the benefits of laser surgery for pilonidal sinus and why it is considered the preferred treatment option.

What Is A Pilonidal Sinus?

A pilonidal sinus appears as a small cyst that develops near the tailbone, more precisely near the cleft of the buttocks. It usually contains hair, dirt, and debris that penetrate the skin, triggering an infection.

The condition was known as the “Jeep Driver’s disease” because it was prevalent among military jeep drivers during World War II, who often sat for long hours. Prolonged sitting combined with pressure and friction near the tailbone made them susceptible to developing the discharging sinus.

Even today, pilonidal sinus is frequently seen in individuals who sit for extended periods, such as office workers, students and drivers. Other contributing factors include the following.

1. Obesity
2. Excessive hair growth
3. Poor hygiene
4. Constant friction and sweating in the area
5. Ingrown hair
6. Stiff or coarse hair
7. Family history
8. Younger age

What Are The Symptoms That Individuals Are Most Likely To Experience?

In the initial stage, individuals do not usually experience any symptoms other than a dimple-like depression on the surface of the tailbone. However, over time, when it gets infected, the condition slowly develops into a cyst or an abscess.

The symptoms include the following.

• Extreme pain and swelling near the tailbone
• Redness and tenderness around the affected area
• Discharge of purulent material with a foul odour
• Fever in severe infections
• Formation of more than one sinus tract.

If you are someone who notices these signs, make sure not to consider it as just a skin irritation to prevent complications such as sepsis, drainage and recurrence.

Traditional Vs. Laser Surgery For Pilonidal Sinus

Before we delve into the advantages of laser surgery for pilonidal sinus, let’s take a look at the features of the conventional procedure.

Traditional treatment for a pilonidal sinus includes open surgical intervention that involves the complete removal of the infected sinus along with the surrounding affected tissue. The procedure was used for decades by surgeons to provide relief to patients who were suffering from severely infected sinuses.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a large incision to cut open the entire infected tract to remove the sinus, trapped hair and affected tissues. Depending on the case, the wound may be left open to heal naturally (open excision) or closed with stitches (primary closure).

While traditional surgery can be effective in removing the disease, it is associated with several drawbacks, including:

• Large surgical wounds
• Multiple stitches
• Significant postoperative pain
• Longer healing time, often lasting several weeks.
• Daily wound dressing and frequent follow-up visits
• Higher risk of wound infection
• Noticeable hypertrophic scarring
• Increased chances of recurrence
• Hospital stays
• Takes a long time to complete the procedure

It is because of these limitations that many patients find conventional surgery physically and emotionally draining. As a result, they are opting for laser surgery for pilonidal sinus, which is a minimally invasive technique.

Understanding Laser Surgery For Pilonidal Sinus

Laser surgery for pilonidal sinus is a modern, minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses high-energy laser beams to remove the sinus tract from inside. The energy of the laser rays destroys the infected lining and seals the sinus tract, thereby allowing it to heal naturally.

The whole procedure hardly takes 20 minutes to complete, and patients are discharged on the same day.

What Are The Major Benefits Of Laser Surgery For Pilonidal Sinus?

The key advantages that patients experience from undergoing a laser procedure are as follows.

• Minimally invasive: No large incisions are required. Only a small opening is made to target the diseased tissue, which in turn results in less trauma to the healthy tissues.
• Reduced pain and bleeding: Laser energy precisely targets the sinus tract, which minimises nerve damage. Most patients reported no postoperative pain and discomfort.
• Faster recovery: Patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few days. No need for longer bed rest.
• No recurrence rate: Laser energy does not leave the wound open, which greatly reduces the chance of re-infection and recurrence.
• No scarring: Laser surgery only requires a tiny incision, which eventually leads to no visible scarring at all. This is beneficial for patients who are concerned about the cosmetic appearance.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Laser surgery for a pilonidal sinus usually does not have any such major drawbacks. The only disadvantages the procedure involves are as follows:

• Cost: The procedure might be a bit more expensive. However, many clinics offer mediclaim assistance to reduce financial burden.
• Expertise of the surgeon: The procedure can only be performed by surgeons who are trained in laser technique.

Whom Should I Consult?

Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik is a trained and experienced surgeon who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of pilonidal sinus using minimally invasive techniques.

He is appreciated by patients for his high success rate in conducting laser-based treatments for various conditions. His approach is patient-focused, which ensures thorough examination, personalised treatment planning and compassionate care for the patients.

Dr Bhowmik even accepts all types of medical insurance to make advanced treatments accessible and convenient for all of his patients.

Conclusion

Living with a pilonidal sinus can really be frustrating; however, modern treatments have made recovery from the condition quite easier. With laser surgery for pilonidal sinus from a surgeon like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, patients can expect better outcomes and a permanent solution to the disease.