Pilonidal Sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or tract that forms in the skin near the tailbone (sacrococcygeal region), just above the cleft of the buttocks. A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or tract that forms in the skin near the tailbone (sacrococcygeal region), just above the cleft of the buttocks. This condition occurs when hair and debris penetrate the skin, leading to inflammation and infection. Sometimes, these openings may be filled with pus or other fluid, forming an abscess or cyst. These occur at the crevice on the upper portion of the hips. Pilonidal cysts often contain dirt, hair, or debris. When infected, it may lead to severe excruciating pain.
Once it is infected, pus or blood can be seen oozing out from the site. PNS is a disorder that primarily affects men but is also prevalent among young people. It's also more frequent among people who spend a lot of time sitting, such as cab drivers. At BLK Max Hospital, Delhi, specialized surgeons offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment using advanced minimally invasive and surgical approaches for complete recovery and reduced recurrence.
Alternate Name of Pilonidal Sinus
Pilonidal abscess, Pilonidal disease, Pilonidal cyst
Causes of Pilonidal Sinus
Although the exact reason for the disease is unknown, certain factors are found related to the occurrence of this condition. These factors include:
Ingrown Hair: Hair penetrating the skin and causing chronic irritation or infection.
Prolonged Sitting: Common in drivers, office workers, and students, leading to pressure and friction in the sacrococcygeal area.
Poor Hygiene: Accumulation of sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the gluteal cleft.
Local Trauma: Repeated friction or minor injuries around the tailbone region.
Hormonal Factors: Common during puberty and early adulthood when oil gland activity and hair growth increase.
Obesity: Excess body weight adds pressure and increases skin friction.
Family History: A hereditary predisposition may also play a role.
When you sit or perform other activities that cause friction, the hair developing in the region can burrow back under the skin. In response to this hair, the body mounts an immune response similar to what it would do to a splinter. When this response occurs, your body produces the cyst surrounding the hair. Many people can have more than one sinus under the skin.
Symptoms of Pilonidal Sinus
The natal cleft, which is the apex of the buttocks crease, right beneath the tailbone, is affected by a pilonidal sinus. Depending on the severity of the illness, symptoms might range from moderate to severe.
The common signs and symptoms observed are as follows:
Pain and tenderness
Tiny depression in the skin
Discharge of pus or blood from a small opening on the skin
Foul odour from the discharge
Growth of a painful mass or abscess. The fluid may also contain blood or maybe clear.
Swelling and redness in the buttock cleft area
A visible pit or dimple at the top of the buttocks
Formation of multiple sinus tracts in chronic or recurrent cases
Fever, Nausea, and general discomfort during active infection
In chronic cases, the infection may subside temporarily but recur periodically, emphasizing the need for medical evaluation and definitive treatment.
Pilonidal Sinus Diagnosis in Delhi
Sacral osteomyelitis can be misinterpreted as a pilonidal sinus because the sacrum is close to the rectum. Both these conditions have some symptoms in common, such as pain, reddening, and swelling. Other conditions which might be confused with a pilonidal sinus are:
Abscess
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Anal fistula
Diagnostic Process:
Physical Examination:The surgeon visually inspects the sacrococcygeal area to identify sinus openings, inflammation, and discharge.
Sinogram (Fistulogram):A contrast study that helps outline the sinus tract, its depth, and branching pattern for surgical planning.
Ultrasound or MRI Scan:Used in complex or recurrent cases to determine the full extent of infection and tissue involvement.
Microbiological Culture:If pus is present, it may be sent for culture to identify the causative bacteria and guide antibiotic therapy.
Pilonidal Sinus Treatment;
The pilonidal sinus treatment plan is based on the type and stage of pilonidal sinus. These are as follows
1. Conservative Management (for Early or Mild Cases):
In cases with minimal infection and no active abscess:
Antibiotic therapy to control infection
Warm compresses and local hygiene maintenance
Hair removal and preventive skin care
However, these measures are temporary and do not address the underlying sinus tract.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSiT):
A highly advanced and minimally invasive technique performed using a small endoscope inserted through the sinus opening.
The surgeon visualizes the tract on a monitor, removes embedded hairs and infected tissue, and irrigates the area.
The wound is left to heal naturally with minimal scarring.Benefits:
Day-care procedure
Minimal pain and blood loss
Rapid recovery and low recurrence rate
Laser Pilonidoplasty:
In this technique, a laser fiber is introduced into the sinus tract to ablate the infected tissue and seal the cavity from within.Advantages include:
No large incisions or stitches
Reduced postoperative pain
Quick healing and low recurrence
3. Surgical Treatment (for Chronic or Recurrent Cases)
Excision and Primary Closure:
The sinus tract and surrounding tissue are surgically removed, and the wound is closed with sutures. Suitable for small, uncomplicated cases.
Flap Procedures (Limberg, Karydakis, or Rhomboid Flap):
For complex or recurrent cases, a flap of healthy skin and tissue is rotated to cover the excised area, reducing tension and recurrence risk.These techniques ensure faster wound healing and better cosmetic outcomes.
At BLK Max Hospital, all surgical treatments are performed by experienced general and minimal access surgeons using evidence-based techniques and advanced equipment to ensure optimal recovery and minimal complications.
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Treatment Methods – A Comparative Overview
Treatment Method
Type
Hospital Stay
Recovery Time
Recurrence Rate
Suitability
EPSiT
Minimally Invasive
Day-care
1–2 weeks
Very Low
Early to moderate cases
Laser Pilonidoplasty
Minimally Invasive
Day-care
1–2 weeks
Very Low
Recurrent cases
Excision with Primary Closure
Surgical
1–2 days
2–3 weeks
Moderate
Single sinus tract
Flap Reconstruction
Surgical
2–3 days
3–4 weeks
Low
Complex or recurrent cases
Pilonidal Sinus Preventions
The following steps can be taken to avoid a pilonidal sinus.
Maintain good local hygiene and dryness of the gluteal cleft
Remove excessive hair regularly (through laser or trimming)
Avoid prolonged sitting or pressure on the affected area
Maintain healthy body weight and exercise regularly
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Post-Treatment Care for Pilonidal Sinus
Postoperative care plays a vital role in preventing recurrence and ensuring smooth recovery.
Keep the surgical site clean and dry
Follow prescribed dressing and follow-up schedules
Take antibiotics and analgesics as directed
Avoid strenuous activity until the wound heals completely
The surgical and nursing teams at BLK Max Hospital provide detailed postoperative guidance to ensure recovery and prevent recurrence.
Possible Complications of Pilonidal Sinus
A pilonidal sinus can lead to a variety of problems when left untreated or when the condition recurs even after the surgery has been done. These complications include:
Intense pain
Swelling and inflammation in the skin
Low-grade fever
Pus drainage from the site of infection or surgery
The foul stench from the wound
Poor wound healing
Numbness in the wound
Bleeding
Scarring
Allergic reaction and blood clotting
In the worst-case scenario, it may lead to osteomyelitis, and skin cancer or bone cancer.
Why Choose BLK Max Hospital for Pilonidal Sinus Treatment in Delhi?
BLK Max Hospital is a premier tertiary care center offering advanced treatment for Pilonidal Sinus with a focus on clinical precision, safety, and long-term results.
Expert Surgical Team: Highly qualified general and minimal access surgeons specializing in colorectal and anorectal conditions.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, endoscopic and laser surgical systems.
Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to recovery, each stage is managed under strict medical supervision.
Minimally Invasive Techniques: EPSiT and laser treatments for minimal pain, faster healing, and lower recurrence.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on sinus complexity, recurrence risk, and patient health.
Postoperative Care & Rehabilitation: Dedicated nursing and follow-up teams for continuous support.
BLK Max Hospital’s multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive world-class surgical care with proven outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Epidemiology of Pilonidal Sinus
26 per 100,000 people. Pilonidal illness is more common in men, with a 3-4:1 male-to-female ratio. It affects mostly Caucasian individuals in their late teens to early twenties, with a decrease after age 25 and a rarity after age 45.
Expected Prognosis of Pilonidal Sinus
Overall, the prognosis for pilonidal sinus is very good and it hardly causes long-term injury. After treatment, a pilonidal sinus might reappear, but keeping excellent cleanliness practices and eliminating hair from the region will help lessen the chances.
Pathophysiology of Pilonidal Sinus
The most commonly recognized notion about pilonidal sinus illness is that it begins with an infected or inflamed hair follicle in the crevice area above your buttocks. This inflammation blocks the follicle's entrance, causing it to stretch inwards, leaving a pit or a hole. This may later develop like a tube to form a sinus-like structure.
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