Pilonidal Sinus

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What is Pilonidal Sinus ?

1. Acute Pilonidal Sinus 2.Chronic Pilonidal Sinus

Everything you should to know about pilonidal sinus

When a small tunnel or hole forms within the skin, it is called pilonidal sinus (PNS). The hole is filled with pus or fluid and results in forming a cyst. PNS is found at the upper part of a human bottom. The cyst is filled with dirt, debris, and hair.

Doktors are here to you create an awareness on pilonidal sinus. The best specialized doctors are here to treat you with you high quality treatment.


What is a pilonidal sinus?

A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst is almost always located near the tailbone at the top of the cleft of the buttocks.

Pilonidal cysts usually occur when hair punctures the skin and then becomes embedded. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, the resulting abscess is often extremely painful. The cyst can be drained through a small incision or removed surgically.

Pilonidal cysts most commonly occur in young men, and the problem has a tendency to recur. People who sit for prolonged periods of time, such as truck drivers, are at higher risk of developing a pilonidal cyst.


How does a pilonidal sinus form?

A skin problem, pressure or friction may cause hair between the buttocks to be pushed inwards. This may either be hair growing around the buttock area, or loose hair shed from the buttocks or elsewhere that gathers around the buttock cleft and enters the pilonidal sinus.


Types of pilonidal sinus

There are two types of pilonidal sinus

- Acute pilonidal sinus

- Chronic pilonidal sinus


Causes

A skin problem, pressure or friction may cause hair between the buttocks to be pushed inwards. This may either be hair growing around the buttock area, or loose hair shed from the buttocks or elsewhere that gathers around the buttock cleft and enters the pilonidal sinus.


Symptoms

Ø  Pain when sitting or standing.

Ø  Swelling of the cyst.

Ø  Reddened, sore skin around the area.

Ø  Pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor.

Ø  Hair protruding from the lesion.

Ø  Formation of more than one sinus tract, or holes in the skin


Diagnosis

Tests

1. Digital examination – In this test, the proctologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check if there are any kind of abnormal growths. The test also confirms the depth of the tunnel and how far the condition has grown.

2. Visual inspection – In visual inspection, the pilonidal sinus specialist might examine the lower rectum using a proctoscope, an anoscope, or a sigmoidoscope. Using any of these devices, the doctor will carefully examine the lining of your anal tissues to check the severity and growth of the tissues.

3. Lab swab test – In rare conditions, the proctologist might recommend the patient undergoes a lab swab test. During the test, the doctor takes tissues from the affected area and sends them for a biopsy. The test is done to check if the tissues have grown cancerous to determine the best line of treatment where the pilonidal sinus grows severe.


Self-diagnosis

Self-diagnosis of pilonidal sinus is not very difficult if you are well aware of the symptoms. You can check for the prevalence of any of the pilonidal sinus symptoms and can evaluate yourself if you are suffering from the same. It is highly likely that your symptoms would always begin with pain and discomfort while sitting. A person with an infected pilonidal sinus may also experience pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area. There might also be a small opening (sinus tract) from where blood drainage might occur. Pay attention to your anal area react each time you make a bowel movement. Check for blood in your stool. But diagnosing the anal area and checking for the symptoms yourself could be tough, which is why it is advisable that you check your condition with a trained and experienced proctologist. 


Diagnosis by doctor

The initial diagnosis is an external check by the doctor, visually and also by touch. The doctor also asks you about the discharge or pain in the area. The diagnosis may also include an MRI scan (an imaging diagnostic test) to confirm the pilonidal sinus.

Risks and complications

During the surgery

Excision and wound closure, often with flattening of the groove between the buttocks. Surgery for a large or repeatedly infected sinus. The sinus is removed and an oval-shaped flap of skin cut out on either side of it.The 2 sides are stitched together.


If left untreated

Pilonidal cysts can cause pain and need to be treated. Pilonidal cysts can be a one-time (acute) problem or you may have chronic (returning) cysts. If they're not treated, chronic pilonidal cysts can also lead to abscesses (swollen pockets of infection) and sinus cavities (empty spaces underneath the skin).


Treatment option & cost

Non-surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus

Currently, the best treatment option for pilonidal sinus disease is crystallized phenol treatment with laser depilation, which is considered to be minimally invasive and continues to find more support. The most common conservative treatment is administration of phenol to the sinuses.


Home remedies for pilonidal sinus

- Hot compress

- Tea tree oil

- Apple cider vinegar

- Aloe Vera

- Castor oil

- Witch hazel

- Honey

- Turmeric


Surgical procedures for pilonidal sinus

- Excision and laying open of the sinus tract.

- Excision with primary closure.

- Wide and deep excision to the sacrum.

- Incision and marsupialization.

- Bascom procedure.

- Asymmetrical incisions

The medical coordinator understand the patient's problem on your first meet and advice's the best treatment for your problem. And starts scheduling your OPD and helps to connect the doctor based on your problem

DOKTORS only perform the advance scheduled surgeries, it doesn't provide any kind of emergency surgeries or treatments.

DOKTORS is not any hospital owner, it collaborates with other hospitals to perform surgeries which are done by doctors/surgeons using the medical infrastructure of the affiliated hospitals.

DOKTORS always provide online consultations, patients can select a doctor based on their specialization from anywhere based on the available slots. Patients can talk to the doctor through online call or chat to share their health problem. The doctor identify the problem and suggest the tests and medications as they require.

DOKTORS doesn't provide any insurance. Insurance is based on the type of conditions given by insurance provider. Our insurance team gets maximum help to get benefits.

There is an option to get second medical check up by highly reputated doctors for all kinds of problems. The consulted doctor can check all the previous medications and reports and can guides the new treatment.

While in the case of surgery the caretaker should be mentioned to patient who takes care in every moment in the whole surgery.

What happens if you delay the treatment/surgery?

Delayed treatment may aggravate piles and may lead to complications. Surgery is advised in case of

Severe pain

Prolonged bleeding

Large haemorrhoids

Alteration in bowel movements

Alteration in bowel movements

Why Doctor Care ?

Expert surgeons

We have the finest and some of the most qualified surgical specialists, each with 10+ years of experience, who will consult with you to determine and conduct the most appropriate surgical procedure for your condition.

Advanced Surgical Technologies

We have the finest and some of the most qualified surgical specialists, each with 10+ years of experience, who will consult with you to determine and conduct the most appropriate surgical procedure for your condition.

Personal Care Assistants

We have the finest and some of the most qualified surgical specialists, each with 10+ years of experience, who will consult with you to determine and conduct the most appropriate surgical procedure for your condition.

Financial aid and assistance

We have the finest and some of the most qualified surgical specialists, each with 10+ years of experience, who will consult with you to determine and conduct the most appropriate surgical procedure for your condition.

Postoperative Care

We have the finest and some of the most qualified surgical specialists, each with 10+ years of experience, who will consult with you to determine and conduct the most appropriate surgical procedure for your condition.

FAQ

How do I know I have Pilonidal Sinus?

Ø  Pain when sitting or standing.

Ø  Swelling of the cyst.

Ø  Reddened, sore skin around the area.

Ø  Pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor.

Ø  Hair protruding from the lesion.

Ø  formation of more than one sinus tract, or holes in the skin

Can a pilonidal sinus heal on its own?

A pilonidal sinus is a space under the skin that forms where the abscess used to be. The problem with the sinus is that it can lead to repeated infections. The sinus connects to the skin with one or more small openings. In some cases the sinus may heal and close by itself, but usually the sinus has to be cut out.

Can pilonidal cyst or sinus be drained at home?

The only way to get rid of a pilonidal cyst is through a minor surgical procedure. But there are a few things you can do at home to ease pain and discomfort in the meantime. Try applying a hot, wet compress to the cyst a few times a day. The heat will help pull out the pus, allowing the cyst to drain.

Does a pilonidal sinus keep recurring?

Pilonidal sinus recurrences may occur from the time of surgery up to 22 years and beyond. Putting this into a time frame, 60% of all recurrences will be seen within 5 years. This has been proven on more than 500 patients, who received long-term follow-up of 2 decades.

Can pilonidal sinus be treated with antibiotics?

A pilonidal sinus abscess will need treatment with antibiotics. The pus inside will also probably need to be drained. There are a number of treatment options for a pilonidal sinus that keeps coming back and that's painful, bleeding or leaking discharge. Your doctor will discuss these with you.

Does pilonidal sinus surgery hurt?

Pilonidal sinus surgery is not typically painful compared with other anorectal procedures. There can be some pain. In addition to pain medication there are local measures that can be helpful. They are not important for healing and can be stopped when you don't think they are useful

How to avoid complications after pilonidal sinus laser surgery?

Avoid baths until the wound is completely healed. Keep the area dry and clean. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Avoid sitting for a long time or sitting on hard surfaces until your incision has healed.

What is the difference between a pilonidal cyst and a pilonidal sinus?

A pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a small hole or tunnel in the skin. It may fill with fluid or pus, causing the formation of a cyst or abscess. It occurs in the cleft at the top of the buttocks. A pilonidal cyst usually contains hair, dirt, and debris.

Is pilonidal sinus hereditary?

In some cases, a pilonidal cyst can be hereditary (you can inherit it from a family member). Your family history can play a role in determining if you get pilonidal cysts, for example if rough body hair runs in your family.

Can pilonidal sinus cause cancer?

If a chronically infected pilonidal cyst isn't treated properly, you may be at slightly increased risk of developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

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Proctology – Laser Treatment for Piles, Fissure, Fistula, Pilonidal Sinus

Laparoscopic Surgery – Laparoscopic Treatment for Gallstone, Hernia

Vascular – Surgical and non-surgical treatments for Varicose veins, Spider Veins, Varicocele, Uterine Fibroids / DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis, Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Urology – Phimosis, Hydrocele, Kidney stones, Urinary tract infections

Gynaecology & Obstetrics – Aesthetic Laser treatments / General Gynaecology Treatments / Cosmetic Gynecology Treatments / Surgical Gynecology Treatments, and Medical and Surgical Abortion

ENT – Surgical treatments for Sinusitis (FESS), Deviated Nasal Septum (Septoplasty), Perforated Eardrum (Tympanoplasty), Tonsillitis (Tonsillectomy), Adenoids (Adenoidectomy)

Aesthetics – Plastic Surgery for Gynecomastia, Hair Transplantation, Liposuction, Breast Surgery (Breast Augmentation and Breast Reduction)

Orthopedics Surgery – Treatments for ACL Tear, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement

Ophthalmology – Treatment for Cataract and LASIK

Fertility – IVF, IUI, Treatments for Male and Female Infertility

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