What is a pilonidal sinus?
It is an issue in a person’s natal cleft that may result in infection. Natal cleft is the region between the buttocks. Hair growth may occur in the natal cleft, or loose hairs may drop down and collect in the natal cleft. Hairs transport bacteria, resulting in infection and inflammation. An abscess or pus may result which might drain via a tunnel (sinus) into the skin. Abscess is the collection of pus. Read this blog to know about pilonidal sinus surgery along with its types and guildelines.
Surgery for pilonidal cyst
This cyst is a pocket that forms around a hair follicle. It grows in the crinkle between the buttocks. The region might appear like a little pit or pore in the skin. This pit comprises a dark spot or hair. At times, infection may occur in the cyst. And, this is known as a pilonidal abscess.
An infected abscess or pilonidal cyst needs surgical drainage. It might not heal with the help of antibiotic drugs. If a person carries on experiencing infections, removal of pilonidal cyst may occur by surgery.
Types of surgery
Pilonidal cystectomy: If a person keeps on experiencing issues with a pilonidal cyst, it might be removed surgically. This can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Hence, a person might not require spending the night in the hospital.
- Person might be administered medication (general anesthesia). It keeps him or her asleep and pain-free. He or she might also be given medication (regional anesthesia). It helps to numb the area from the waist down. Rarely, person might only be given local numbing medication.
- A cut is done for removing the skin with the pores and the underlying tissue.
- Based on the amount of tissue removed, the region might or might not be packed with gauze. At times, a tube is positioned to drain fluid that accumulates after surgery. The tube is detached at a later time while the liquid stops draining.
Drainage and Incision: For an infected cyst, this is the most common treatment. Incision and drainage are easy procedures done in the doctor’s office.
- Local anesthesia is useful for numbing the skin.
- Then, a cut is made in the cyst to drain pus and fluid. A gauze is used to pack the hole and left open.
- Later, it might take up to four weeks for healing cyst. The gauze has to be transformed repeatedly during this time.
Why the Pilonidal Sinus Surgery is done?
Surgery is useful for removing and draining a pilonidal cyst that fails to heal.
- Doctor might advise this process if the patient has pilonidal disease resulting in pain or infection.
- A pilonidal cyst that does not result in signs that does not require treatment.
Non-surgical treatment might be useful if the region remains uninfected:
- Injection of surgical adhesive into the cyst
- Laser hair removal or shaving around the cyst
Procedure Risks
Resection of a pilonidal cyst usually is safe. Discuss with a doctor about these complications:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Long healing time
- Reappearance of the pilonidal cyst
Before the process
Discuss with the doctor to ensure medical conditions are controlled. These conditions can be diabetes, hypertension, and heart or lung disorders.
Discuss with the concerned doctor about:
- What medications, vitamins, and other supplements.
- If the person is pregnant.
- If person has been having too much of alcohol, above one or two drinks a day.
- If person is a smoker, quit smoking 7 days or so prior to the surgery.
Tips for the surgery day:
- Follow the doctor’s guidelines regarding eating or drinking before surgery.
- Take the medications the doctor asked to take with a small sip of water.
- Follow guidelines on when to reach the hospital. Make sure to reach on time.
Post-Procedure Guidelines
- Person may go home after the surgery.
- Bandage can be used to cover the wound.
- Person can take pain relievers.
- It is better to keep the region around the wound clean.
- After the wound heals, shave the hair in the wound region. This is useful to prevent pilonidal condition from reappearing.
Surgery benefits
Surgery is the most reliable approach of removing the pilonidal sinus and sacks of infection.
Complications that may occur
A few complications might be serious and might even result in death.
General complications
- pain
- bleeding
- unpleasant scarring of the skin
- blood clot in lung or leg
- hypersensitive reaction to the instrument, materials or medicine
Specific complications
- slow healing
- wound breaks down partially
- numb sensation around the wound
How soon it takes to recover?
Patient goes home the very same day. He or she is also capable of returning to work after 2 to 3 weeks. Regular physical activity must aid the person to return to normal activities. Don’t forget, the pilonidal sinus may return. It is significant to keep the region free from hairs and clean to lower this risk.
Summary
Pilonidal sinus occurs commonly in young adults. Surgery is the best treatment option for this problem. It might result in an abscess or constant discharge.
