Surgery
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
Pilonidal sinus surgery removes an infected pocket in the skin at the top of the buttock crease that keeps causing pain or discharge.
Quick answer
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or pocket in the skin near the tailbone, often containing hair, that can become infected. Surgery removes the sinus and any infected tissue.
- Why it is done: It is used for a pilonidal sinus causing repeated infections, abscesses, pain or persistent discharge, when simpler measures have not resolved it.
- What happens: Under general or local anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the sinus and affected tissue.
What it is
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or pocket in the skin near the tailbone, often containing hair, that can become infected. Surgery removes the sinus and any infected tissue.
Why it is done
It is used for a pilonidal sinus causing repeated infections, abscesses, pain or persistent discharge, when simpler measures have not resolved it.
What happens
Under general or local anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the sinus and affected tissue. The wound may be closed with stitches or left open to heal from the inside, depending on the situation.
Recovery
Healing takes from a couple of weeks to a few months, especially if the wound is left open and packed with dressings. Keeping the area clean and hair-free helps prevent recurrence.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include infection, delayed healing and recurrence, which is fairly common. Good wound care and hygiene after healing reduce the chance of the problem returning.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: frequently asked questions
Why is the wound sometimes left open?
Leaving the wound open to heal gradually from the base can reduce the chance of infection and recurrence for some pilonidal sinuses, though it takes longer to heal than a stitched wound.
Can a pilonidal sinus come back?
Yes, recurrence is relatively common. Keeping the area clean, dry and free of loose hair after healing helps reduce the risk of it returning.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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