Pilonidal sinus surgery

Your doctor may recommend pilonidal sinus surgery if you have pilonidal disease that is causing pain or infection.

What is a pilonidal sinus?

A pilonidal sinus is a problem in your natal cleft (the area between your buttocks) that can cause infection. Hairs can grow in your natal cleft, or loose hairs can fall and collect in your natal cleft. Hairs carry bacteria, which can cause inflammation and infection. An abscess (a collection of pus) can form or the pus can drain through a tunnel (sinus) out to your skin.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Surgery is the most dependable way to remove the pilonidal sinus and pockets of infection.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Washing your natal cleft every day to prevent hairs building up and removing hair from the area by shaving, waxing or using a hair removal cream may help to prevent an infection. An occasional discharge can be treated with antibiotics. Although, it is sometimes possible to have a procedure under a local anaesthetic to drain an abscess, or to brush the sinuses and fill them with glue or phenol, and to remove the pits.

What does the procedure involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes. Your surgeon will simply remove the sinus and infected tissue, sometimes over a large area.

What complications can happen?

Like all surgical procedures, there are some complications that can be serious and can even cause death. Please bear in mind the general and specific complications regarding this type of operation.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Partial breakdown of your wound
Slow healing
Numbness around your wound

How soon will I recover?

If there are no complications during the operation, you should be able to go home the same day. You should be able to return to work after 2 to 3 weeks. Moreover, regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. The pilonidal sinus can come back. It is important to keep the area free from hairs and as clean as possible to reduce this risk.

Summary

Pilonidal sinus is a common problem in young adults and is best treated by surgery. It can cause an abscess or continued discharge. To find out more, call us on 0808 101 0337.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)

The surgery cost for pilonidal sinus removal

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.