Pilonidal Sinus Treatment
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery - Risks, Benefits, & Treatments
The pilonidal sinus is a painful anorectal condition. We ensure an efficient patient journey with qualified surgeons, medical care coordinators, paperwork and insurance assistance, and post-surgery care.
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What is Pilonidal Sinus?
It occurs when a cyst or abscess forms in the cleft of the buttocks. Pilonidal sinus is more common in men than women.
Pilonidal sinuses can be acute or chronic.
Acute Pilonidal Sinus: As a one-time problem, acute pilonidal sinuses do not recur once treated, and they are usually accompanied by pain and tenderness around the natal cleft as well as redness and swelling. The most common cause of acute pilonidal sinus disease is an infection, usually caused by bacteria or fungi.
Chronic Pilonidal Sinus: The symptoms of chronic pilonidal sinus are the same as those of acute pilonidal sinus, but they may be more severe. Chronic pilonidal sinus is a long-term condition that becomes severe over time. There may also be recurrent infections, which can lead to abscesses in the affected area. A small pit or sinus may develop in chronic cases, draining pus from the affected area.
Different Surgical Treatments
The main goal of surgery for pilonidal sinuses is to remove the affected tissue and prevent the formation of new ones.
Pilonidal sinuses can be treated using a variety of surgical techniques, including;
Lancing:
During lancing, your doctor will make a small incision in the affected area to drain the abscess and relieve pain and discomfort. In the case of pilonidal sinuses, lancing is often effective and may be recommended when other treatments have failed. It can be performed in a doctor's clinic or outpatient setting. Typically, wound care and antibiotics follow the procedure.
Open surgery for Pilonidal Sinus
Incision-drainage and pilonidal cystectomy are two types of open surgery.
1. Incision and Drainage: Pilonidal sinuses are commonly managed by incision and drainage. The procedure involves making a small cut in the affected area to drain the pus-filled abscess. A wound is packed with gauze or left open to heal from the inside out after drainage to relieve pain and prevent infection spread. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent further infection.
2. Open pilonidal cystectomy: The traditional procedure for pilonidal cystectomy involves making an incision over the cyst, excising the cyst and surrounding tissue, and draining any abscesses.
Doctors may or may not pack the area with surgical gauze depending on the size of the cyst removed. When the infection is severe, the doctor places a tube to drain the fluid from the cyst. To reduce the chance of recurrence, the tube is only removed after the entire fluid has been collected.
Laser Pilonidal sinus treatment:
The laser pilonidal sinus treatment uses laser energy to destroy the sinus tracts with a few incisions, resulting in a minimally invasive method that has proven effective in treating pilonidal sinus. Laser treatment is a viable option for those seeking a less invasive approach to pilonidal sinus treatment because it results in faster healing time and reduced complications.
As soon as a patient recovers from surgery, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent pilonidal sinus infection and promote healing. Pain medication may also be prescribed to manage discomfort.
Home Remedies for Pilonidal Sinus
In the early stages of pilonidal sinus, patients can use home remedies to relieve symptoms without having to undergo surgery. Here is a list of home remedies you can try.
Aloe vera gel: Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Apply the gel to the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. Repeat this twice a day. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce pain and swelling.
Castor oil: Apply a small amount of castor oil to the affected area and massage it gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for a few hours before washing it off. Repeat this daily.
Epsom salt bath: Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to warm water and soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this once a day to relieve pain and inflammation.
Garlic: Crush a few garlic cloves and apply the paste to the affected area. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with water. Repeat this twice a day.
Tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area twice a day. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with water.
Turmeric: Make a paste by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with water. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with water. Repeat this twice a day.
Warm Compress: A warm compress can help reduce pain and inflammation. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
Good food habits to avoid Pilonidal Sinus
Here are some foods you should include in your diet if you have a pilonidal sinus to promote healing and prevent complications.
Fibre-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help prevent constipation and reduce sinus strain.
Healing and recovery can be aided by lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu.
Salmon and nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, can boost the immune system.
The consumption of probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt and kefir can help maintain a healthy gut and prevent infection.
Infections can be treated with garlic and onions because they have antimicrobial properties.
Spices with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, can be beneficial when added to dishes.
Another anti-inflammatory spice is ginger, which can be added to meals or consumed as a tea.
Simmering animal bones and connective tissues can provide essential amino acids and promote healing.
Wound healing can be aided by zinc-rich foods such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
The healing of wounds can also be aided by foods high in iron, such as spinach and red meat.
Processed and sugary foods can weaken the immune system and exacerbate inflammation.
Stay hydrated and flush out toxins by drinking plenty of water.
Allergy-causing or sensitive foods can worsen symptoms and delay healing.
Signs of a Healing Pilonidal Sinus
Decrease in Pain: A healing pilonidal sinus is marked by decreased pain. If the pain is becoming less intense or less frequent, it is a good sign that the sinus is healing.
Decrease in Temperature: It is a sign that the wound is healing if the temperature around the sinus decreases.
Formulation of Granulation Tissue: A pinkish-red tissue called granulation tissue forms at the base of the wound when the body is healing it.
Reduction in Swelling: The reduction in swelling around the pilonidal sinus is another sign that the body is healing the wound.
Reduced Discharge.
Reduced redness: Healing is evident if the skin around the sinus is becoming less red.