Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus
This page will give you information about surgery for a
pilonidal sinus. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP
or other relevant health professional.
What is a pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a problem in the natal cleft (area just
above the buttocks). Loose hairs fall off the neck or back and
collect in the natal cleft, causing small holes to form in the skin
or getting into existing holes.
As the hairs carry bacteria, the holes can become infected. This
causes an abscess to form or a discharge that is released through a
tunnel (sinus) out onto the skin (see figure 1).
Figure 1: Postion on pilonidal sinus showing small holes and an
abcess
What are the benefits of surgery?
Surgery is the most dependable way to remove the pilonidal
sinus.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
You can treat an occasional discharge with antibiotics.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes about half an hour.
Your surgeon will remove the sinus and infected tissue.
What complications can happen?
General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
Specific complications of this operation
- Partial breakdown of the wound
- Slow healing
- Numbness around the wound
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day.
You should be able to return to work after two to three
weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Occasionally the pilonidal sinus comes back.
Summary
Pilonidal sinus is a common problem in young people. It can
cause an abscess or persistent discharge and is best treated by
surgery.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment