Call Now:
8010 552 552
7595 838 844
Whatsapp Now:
8010 552 552
Email Me:
[email protected]
Are you experiencing pain and discomfort due to an infected bump between the buttocks? What may appear like a small pimple can gradually escalate into a persistent and painful issue, often with recurrent infections. Now, this is the case with millions of people suffering from pilonidal sinus.
If left untreated, a pilonidal sinus leads to surgical complications and may even cause skin cancer. Fortunately, with medical advancements, laser surgery for pilonidal sinus has emerged as a highly effective treatment option.
In this blog, we will delve into what a pilonidal sinus is, its causes, recognisable symptoms and treatment approaches with a focus on laser intervention.
Pilonidal sinus is an acquired condition that is characterised by the trapping of hair inside a skin fold, especially in the cleft at the top of the buttocks. The trapped hair results in a foreign reaction in the body, leading to the formation of a cyst containing dirt and debris. Over time, the cyst gets infected and forms an abscess ( a pus-filled cavity), which eventually ruptures and causes a pilonidal sinus.
Most people mistake a pilonidal sinus for a minor boil or a pimple due to their similar appearances; however, it is more than just a skin infection. It is a recurring condition and requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
The severity of the symptoms of pilonidal sinus depends on the level of infection. In fact, most people with this condition do not even notice any signs of it unless the cyst becomes infected. Once it progresses, the symptoms include:
Below are the possible reasons behind the formation of the pilonidal sinus.
Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a reputed doctor for carrying out laser surgery for pilonidal sinus, lists the following factors that make a person predisposed to the condition.
Male sex: Males are significantly more than women.
Age: Particularly younger people in their 20s
Obesity: Excessive weight increases skin folds and friction.
Jobs: Occupations requiring prolonged sitting, such as desk workers or drivers.
Excess body hair: Especially in the lower back region.
Stiff or coarse hair: More likely to get trapped in the skin
Poor hygiene: Increases the risk of infection.
Failing under these risk factors does not mean that you are going to develop a pilonidal sinus; however, it increases the chance of its occurrence to a great extent.
Although rare, in mild cases, a pilonidal sinus might temporarily close on its own with conservative care like proper hygiene and hair removal. But most tend to recur again, causing pain and swelling.
Surgical intervention is needed to get permanent relief and prevent complications. Hence, make sure to consult an experienced surgeon for evaluation and to determine the best treatment approach.
Diagnosis of pilonidal sinus begins with a physical examination. Your healthcare provider will look for signs of swelling, redness and discharge near the affected area. They might also ask about the patient’s medical history.
If the diagnosis remains unclear, patients are recommended to undergo imaging tests like an MRI to identify the severity and extent of the sinus.
Surgeons employ many treatment modalities to treat the condition. The approaches are categorised into the conventional method and laser surgery for pilonidal sinus.
Let’s discuss each of them.
The above methods require a longer hospital stay, regular dressing, and a delayed recovery period. There is even a higher chance of infection and postoperative discomfort.
One of the advancements in the treatment of pilonidal sinus is laser surgery.
Laser surgery for pilonidal sinus is widely used due to its minimally invasive nature and quick healing. During the procedure, laser beams are used to destroy the sinus tract, allowing it to close naturally without the need for any large incisions.
Laser surgery for the pilonidal sinus has several advantages. Here are some of them.
Minimally invasive: The procedures do not require larger incisions. It is done through small cuts.
Outpatient procedure: It takes only 30 minutes to 1 hour, and patients are discharged on the same day.
Faster recovery: The recovery period is short, and patients can resume their daily activities within a few days.
Less pain: There is no tissue damage, and hence there is less pain and blood loss.
No risk of infection: The chance of operative infections is minimal.
Minimal scarring: There are no visible scars or marks after the procedure.
High success rate: The majority of patients reported successful recovery with no recurrence cases.
Post-operative care is important after laser surgery to ensure safe and quick healing. During this time, patients are advised the following:
Knowing the symptoms of pilonidal sinus and understanding the available treatment methods is necessary to get relief from the condition. While traditional treatment approaches are still used, laser surgery for pilonidal sinus has become quite popular due to less pain and faster recovery. If you are dealing with a pilonidal sinus, consult a surgeon to discuss whether laser surgery is right for you.