Have you heard of the Pilonidal Sinus before?
If you are looking for information about this condition, which can be uncomfortable and painful for many people, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we explain what Pilonidal Sinus is, what the risk factors are and what treatments you can use to treat pilonidal cysts.
What is pilonidal sinus?
Sinus or pilonidal cyst is a very common chronic disease that affects thousands of people around the world.
It is characterized by the formation of a cyst or sac in the sacrococcygeal region (tailbone area and fold between both buttocks).
The cyst formed contains hair and dead tissue and usually causes significant discomfort and pain, especially when it becomes infected.
Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms that may indicate the presence of this condition is essential to determine appropriate treatment in time.
The symptoms of pilonidal sinus that commonly occur are:
- Pain in the sacrococcygeal area: pain is one of the most prominent symptoms of pilonidal sinus, it can be intermittent or constant.
- Swelling and redness: The affected area may become swollen and red, indicating the presence of an infection or abscess.
- Drainage of pus or blood: There may be drainage of pus or blood from the affected area. This may be intermittent and associated with abscess formation.
- Tenderness when sitting or moving: Pilonidal sinus can cause tenderness and pain when sitting or performing movements that put pressure on the affected area.
- Feeling of a lump or mass: Some people may feel a lump or mass in the sacrococcygeal area, which may be indicative of the presence of the pilonidal sinus.
Currently, pilonidal sinus affects 5% of the general population.
Causes
The causes of pilonidal sinus are still not completely clear; However, it is usually caused by a combination of factors.
The most accepted theory is that the condition develops due to loose hairs that break through the skin and become ingrown, creating a cyst or abscess around it in response to trying to expel it.
This can occur for several reasons:
- Abnormal hair follicles
- Friction and constant pressure in the area
- Genetic predisposition
- Sedentary habits
- Trauma or injuries to the sacrococcygeal area.
Visit the page why pilonidal sinus forms to learn in detail the possible causes of formation and reappearance of pilonidal cysts.
Risk factors
There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of developing this condition, although it could occur in anyone.
Potential risk factors associated with pilonidal sinus are:
- Be a white-skinned, male young adult
- Being overweight
- Have a lifestyle without physical activity
- Sitting for long periods
- Having thick, coarse body hair
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Excessive sweating.
Surgical treatments for pilonidal sinus
The pilonidal sinus treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s preferences.
It is essential to consult with a specialist to determine the most appropriate option and consider the benefits and risks of each one.
The surgical techniques for pilonidal sinus that we describe below are the most used to treat this type of cysts:
En bloc excision with or without marsupialization of the edges
This surgical technique involves the complete removal of the pilonidal sinus and the surrounding affected tissue.
In some cases, marsupialization of the edges is performed, which involves creating a pouch-like opening to facilitate drainage and healing.
This technique is, by far, the most used by surgeons in Spain.
Excision and primary closure
In this technique, the pilonidal sinus is removed and the wound is closed primarily with sutures.
It is especially suitable for cases without extensive infection and with well-vascularized wound edges.
Pit-picking (Gips Intervention):
This less invasive technique involves removing hairs and remnants of infected tissue from the pilonidal sinus using a needle or similar instrument.
It is done repeatedly to empty the cysts and promote healing.
The Pit-picking technique is ideal for cases with few symptoms and without extreme inflammation.
Láser
The laser treatment for pilonidal cyst is used to destroy and remove infected tissue and affected hair follicles.
This technique corrects the consequences of Pilonidal Sinus, but does not treat its causes.
EPSIT (Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment)
It is a technique that consists of introducing an endoscope through small incisions to visualize and treat the pilonidal sinus.
It is a new technique that has not yet proven to be effective in the long term.
Flaps
This technique seeks to repair the wound caused by removing the cyst, interposing healthy tissue to close the surgical wound.
There are several types of flaps, such as the advancement flap or the rotation flap, and the modified Karydakis flap, the most effective technique and the one we most recommend.
Modified Karydakis flap
It consists of the creation of a local flap in the shape of a V or an inverted Y, using tissue from the sacrococcygeal region close to the affected area.
This flap is used to cover and close the surgical wound after removal of the pilonidal sinus.
This is currently the most effective technique since it achieves a good aesthetic result and pain control.
The Journal of Dermatological Surgery states that “the long-term success rate of pilonidal sinus surgery varies depending on the technique used, but in general, most patients experience a complete recovery and a significant reduction in symptoms.”
Choosing the correct surgical technique, according to the patient’s characteristics, will be key to achieving a successful recovery.
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery in Madrid
If you suspect the presence of a pilonidal cyst or have experienced one or more of the associated symptoms, we recommend that you request a consultation with our experts.
In our team, we have extensive experience in pilonidal sinus surgery using the modified Karydakis technique, which we highly recommend for demonstrating positive long-term results in thousands of patients.
Schedule a online appointment with the Innova Cirugía team following the following link:
Do not wait for pilonidal sinus to affect your quality of life to seek a solution or treatment.
