What is Pilonidal Sinus Surgery ?

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Why do you need Pilonidal Sinus Surgery ?

Pilonidal sinus surgery is indicated for:

  • Chronic or recurrent pilonidal sinus: Persistent pain, discharge, or swelling.
  • Acute pilonidal abscess: Severe infection requiring drainage, often followed by excision.
  • Failed non-surgical treatments: No improvement with antibiotics, hygiene, or hair removal.

The goal is to remove the sinus tract, reduce recurrence, and promote healing.

Why Do Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Pilonidal Sinus Surgery Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis: Physical exam identifies sinus openings, discharge, or abscess; MRI/ultrasound used for complex cases.
    • Preparation: Antibiotics for active infection, shaving of the area, blood tests for surgical fitness, and patient counseling on wound care.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Incision and Drainage: For acute abscesses, under local anesthesia; pus is drained, followed by definitive surgery after 4–6 weeks.
    • Excision with Open Healing:
      • Under general/spinal anesthesia, 30–60 minutes.
      • Sinus tract and infected tissue excised; wound left open to heal naturally (secondary intention).
    • Excision with Primary Closure:
      • Sinus excised, wound sutured closed for faster healing; higher recurrence risk.
    • Flap Reconstruction (e.g., Karydakis, Limberg Flap):
      • For complex/recurrent cases; sinus excised, flap of skin/tissue covers the defect, reducing recurrence.
    • Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSiT):
      • Minimally invasive; endoscope removes the sinus through small incisions, offering less pain and faster recovery.
  • After Surgery:
    • Same-day discharge or 1–3 day stay (flap procedures).
    • Pain managed with medications; open wounds need daily dressings; closed wounds require suture care.
    • Follow-ups assess healing and recurrence.

Recovery After Pilonidal Sinus Surgery

  1. Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (open/closed) or 1–3 days (flap).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain managed with medications, sitz baths for hygiene.
    • Open healing: Daily dressings for 4–8 weeks; closed/flap: Suture removal in 10–14 days.
  3. Activity/Diet:
    • Light activities in 1–2 days; avoid strenuous activities for 3–6 weeks.
    • High-fiber diet, 2–3 liters water daily to prevent constipation.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Check-ups at 1–2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, 3 months.
    • Healing: 4–8 weeks (open), 2–4 weeks (closed/flap).

Patients resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks (closed) or 6–8 weeks (open). Success rates are 85–95% with flap procedures; recurrence rates are 5–20%.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection.
  • Wound Issues: Delayed healing, wound breakdown (5–15% in primary closure).
  • Recurrence: 5–20%, higher with primary closure; risk factors include obesity, poor hygiene.
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, scarring.
  • Long-Term: Chronic discomfort (rare).

Report fever, increased pain, or discharge promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes pilonidal sinus?

Hair penetration into the skin near the tailbone, worsened by sitting, obesity, or poor hygiene.

Can it be treated without surgery?

Early cases may improve with antibiotics and hygiene, but chronic/recurrent cases need surgery.

Open vs. closed healing?

Open: Lower recurrence (5–10%), slower healing (4–8 weeks). Closed: Faster healing (2–4 weeks), higher recurrence (10–20%).

How soon can I resume activities?

2–4 weeks (closed), 6–8 weeks (open).

Is it covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic cases; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, persistent discharge.

Can it recur?

Yes, 5–20% risk; reduced with flap procedures, hygiene, and hair removal.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Good hygiene, avoid prolonged sitting, regular hair removal, high-fiber diet.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Pilonidal Sinus Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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