Pilonidal sinus surgery
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel, almost always between the buttock cheeks, caused by ingrowing hairs
What is a pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is an inflamed sinus tract or channel that commonly contains hair follicles.
It occurs under the skin between the buttocks, a short distance above the anus.
Germs can build up among the hairs within the sinuses causing swelling, discharge and infection.
It occurs under the skin between the buttocks, a short distance above the anus.
Germs can build up among the hairs within the sinuses causing swelling, discharge and infection.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
Your consultant will usually perform surgery by excising the abnormal skin with the sinus. It is undertaken using general anaesthetic. The resulting hole can be left open and packed with a dressing, closed with just a suture (a row of stitches holding together the edges of the incision), or with a ‘flap’ of nearby tissue. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your procedure. -
After surgery icon plus
You will need to take pain relief as prescribed by your consultant, especially prior to dressing changes. Your wound may be left open and packed with a dressing known as Aquacel or Kaltostat each day.
If your wound has had a primary closure (been stitched up during surgery), you will be advised of this and when the sutures will need removing.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.