Service
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
A pilonidal sinus is a tunnel beneath the skin near the tailbone that may contain hair and debris and can become infected, painful, swollen, or recurrent.
Overview
A pilonidal sinus is a tunnel beneath the skin near the tailbone that may contain hair and debris and can become infected, painful, swollen, or recurrent.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, pus or blood-stained discharge, recurrent boils, and fever during active infection.
Causes
Hair and debris trapped under the skin can lead to inflammation or infection. Risk factors include excess body hair, prolonged sitting, friction, obesity, previous abscess, and family history in some people.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually uses history and examination. The surgeon assesses sinus openings, infection, disease extent, and previous episodes or surgery.
Treatment
Acute abscesses may require drainage. Chronic or recurrent disease often requires definitive treatment, including laser-assisted treatment or excision when appropriate.
Recovery
Advice includes wound care, keeping the area clean and dry, medication, follow-up, avoiding prolonged sitting when advised, and hair-removal recommendations if appropriate.