Pilonidal Sinus Repair Surgery
Treats pilonidal sinus issues, preventing recurring infections and discomfort.
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Pilonidal Sinus Repair Surgery
Understanding Pilonidal Sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks, where they divide (the cleft). It doesn't always cause symptoms and only needs to be treated if it becomes infected.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Surgery becomes necessary when a pilonidal sinus becomes infected, causing a pilonidal abscess. Symptoms of an infected pilonidal sinus include pain, redness, and swelling at the bottom of the spine, pus or blood draining from the sinus, and a high temperature. Surgery is recommended to drain the abscess and to prevent further infections.
Overview of the Surgical Procedure
Pilonidal sinus repair surgery, also known as a pilonidal sinus excision, involves making a cut over the sinus and removing all the sinus tracts. The wound is then either stitched closed or left open to heal by itself. The primary objective of the surgery is to remove the sinus and prevent further infections.
Key takeways
- Pilonidal sinus repair surgery is an effective treatment for an infected pilonidal sinus.
- The surgery involves removing the sinus and any infected tissue.
- Recovery time varies, but patients can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks.
- Non-surgical treatment options include antibiotics and lifestyle changes.
Common Symptoms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks.
What causes a pilonidal sinus?
It's thought to be caused by loose hairs that push into the skin.
How is pilonidal sinus repair surgery performed?
The surgery involves making a cut over the sinus and removing all the sinus tracts.
What is the recovery time for pilonidal sinus repair surgery?
Recovery time varies but generally, patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Further Information on the Service
Related Concerns
An infected pilonidal sinus can cause severe pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause a more serious infection called cellulitis, or form an abscess.
Causes of the Issues
Pilonidal sinuses are thought to be caused by loose hairs that push into the skin. The body considers this hair as a foreign substance and creates a cyst around it. The cyst then becomes infected, forming a sinus.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment options for a pilonidal sinus include antibiotics for infection, hot compresses for pain relief, and surgical procedures such as incision and drainage, sinus excision, and flap procedures.
Service Overview
Pilonidal sinus repair surgery is a highly effective treatment for pilonidal sinus. The surgery involves removing the sinus and any surrounding tissue that may be infected. This not only treats the current infection but also helps to prevent future infections.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pilonidal Sinus Repair Surgery
- The patient is given general anesthesia.
- The surgeon makes an incision over the sinus.
- The sinus and any infected tissue are removed.
- The wound is either stitched closed or left open to heal by itself.
- The surgery usually takes about 1 hour. ### Conditions Warranting Pilonidal Sinus Repair Surgery Pilonidal sinus repair surgery is recommended when the sinus becomes infected, causing severe pain, redness, and swelling. This condition is more common in people who sit for long periods, such as office workers and drivers. It's also more prevalent in people with excess body hair and those who are overweight. ### Benefits of Pilonidal Sinus Repair Surgery The surgery effectively removes the sinus, alleviating pain and discomfort. It also reduces the risk of further infections and abscess formation. The procedure can significantly improve the patient's quality of life. ### Risks of Pilonidal Sinus Repair Surgery Like any surgery, pilonidal sinus repair carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. There's also a chance that the sinus could recur. ### Preparation for Surgery Before surgery, patients may need to shave the area around the sinus to reduce the risk of infection. They should also maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. ### Pre-surgery Procedures and Checks At the hospital, the patient's medical history is reviewed, and a physical examination is conducted. Blood tests may be done to check the patient's overall health. ### Postoperative Care After surgery, the wound needs to be kept clean and dry. Pain medication may be prescribed. The patient will also need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing. ### Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery time varies but generally, patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy is not typically required for this surgery. ### Alternatives to Surgery Non-surgical treatment options include antibiotics for infection and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding prolonged sitting. ## References
- NHS. (2023). Pilonidal sinus. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pilonidal-sinus/ [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Pilonidal cyst. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pilonidal-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20376329 [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Pilonidal Disease: Management and Treatment. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16565-pilonidal-disease/management-and-treatment [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
- WebMD. (2023). What Is a Pilonidal Cyst? [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/pilondial-cyst#1 [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
- American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. (2023). Pilonidal Disease. [online] Available at: https://fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/pilonidal-disease [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
- Healthline. (2023). Pilonidal Cyst. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/pilonidal-cyst [Accessed 8 Dec. 2023].
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