For the easy application and low complication rate of the pilonidal sinus disease, known in medical terms as pilonidal sinus, preference should be given to methods that will be applied easily. This principle should be considered not only for pilonidal sinuses but for the treatment of all diseases. Individuals affected by pilonidal sinuses should research carefully, considering the advantages and disadvantages, and choose a treatment option accordingly among the numerous available methods.
For those who want pilonidal sinus treatment, if there is an abscess, it must be drained first. After draining the pus in the abscess, pilonidal sinus treatment can be performed 30-45 days later.
Numerous methods have been developed from the past to the present for pilonidal sinus treatment, and many of them are modified versions of each other. They have been continuously developed for ease of application and minimal disadvantages.
The most advantageous method among the methods we prefer today is the micro sinusectomy method. Due to its minimal need for incision and stitches, it may not even be considered surgery. After the application of the micro sinusectomy method, our patients can leave the clinic on their own and continue their daily lives.
Techniques Applied in the Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus
As mentioned earlier, there are many methods used in the treatment of pilonidal sinuses. Many methods have been abandoned because of their excessive disadvantages. We will discuss the commonly used methods under this heading.
Laser Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus
Laser is a beneficial device in the health sector that is used in the treatment and elimination of many diseases or problems. In the treatment with laser, anesthesia is applied to an area of 2-3 cm where the pilonidal sinus has occurred. The aim of this method is to destroy the holes, sinus, and the sinus membrane on the skin where the hairs have entered without any incision or stitches, in other words, without surgery. In this context, the 2mm laser probe is sent under the skin, and unwanted formations are burned in a controlled manner thanks to the high light of the laser. Since regional anesthesia is applied during the procedure, there is no pain felt. After the procedure, since the pain will be minimal, there is no need to take pain relievers.
When the procedure is completed, patients are rested in the waiting room for about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, they can easily continue their daily life without interruption, whether by public transport or their vehicle. No rest is required.
Treatment with Micro Sinusectomy Method
A minimal incision of 2-3 cm is applied depending on the severity of the disease. The formed sinus is removed along with its membrane. The removed holes are present on the skin. The area where the capsule is removed is thoroughly cleaned and stitched. Since aesthetic and self-absorbable stitches are used, there is no need for stitch removal. Since its superiority is much higher than classical surgeries that were abandoned in the past or rarely applied today, this method is often preferred.
Sinusotomy Technique
Sinusotomy is a method that does not involve incisions or stitches; it is applied through works within 2-3mm holes with only local anesthesia, without the use of general anesthesia. The application takes about 10 minutes. After the procedure, the patient is rested for 10-15 minutes and can leave the clinic to continue their daily life without interruption.
The main purpose of the procedure is to clean the capsule and inflammation occurring under the skin. Entry is made through the holes where the hairs have entered or where there is discharge if present. There is no need to create a new hole. Since regional anesthesia is applied, the procedure is painless. There may be minimal pain after the procedure, but it usually does not require the use of pain relievers. After treatment, if the patient pays attention to cleanliness and prevents the entry of new hairs, the disease does not recur.
Treatment with Phenol Technique
The phenol method, also known as crystallized phenol and crystallized formic acid, can be defined as another name. These substances are structurally similar chemically. The holes where the hairs have entered are identified, and the sinus and its membrane are destroyed to ensure complete cleaning. The empty space left in the place of the removed sinus is washed with one of the chemicals mentioned above. The aim here is to burn the tissue with the chemical substance. The burned tissue flows out of the holes and disappears. In this way, no substance remains inside. The success of the phenol method is lower than the sinusotomy method.
Treatment with Silver Technique
It is a treatment performed using silver nitrate. The open name is nitrate de argent. It is preferred in a concentration that will provide a burning effect. It is similar to both the phenol method mentioned above and the sinusotomy as an application. Although it is a less risky method than phenol, it has a disadvantage of turning the surrounding area black. The success rate can be said to be similar to phenol.
Which Doctor/Specialty to Consult for Pilonidal Sinus Treatment?
As emphasized frequently, the doctor who uses the most advantageous methods or methods for the treatment of pilonidal sinuses should be preferred. Some centers, while experienced in utilizing these advantages, may use insufficient and disadvantageous methods due to their inability to follow developments or lack of necessary equipment.
My colleagues, who provide services in IDEA Clinics and are experienced general surgery specialists in the field of proctology, apply the most advantageous methods. Considering the prevalence, intensity, and level of pilonidal sinus problems, you can receive treatment with laser, micro sinusectomy, or sinusotomy methods and leave our clinics to continue your daily life on your own.
How Should Coccyx Hair Cleaning Be Done?
Individuals who are genetically predisposed to pilonidal sinus or those who have previously undergone pilonidal sinus treatment should pay much more attention to the cleanliness of the coccyx compared to others. It is recommended to wash the coccyx area during showers or hygiene routines throughout the day and dry it with a paper towel or a similar tissue or cloth to keep it clean.
