The pilonidal sinus or ingrown hair disease with its common name is the way the hairs on the coccyx find their way through the skin and make a nest for itself between the coccyx and the skin. 

What are the Symptoms of the Pilonidal Sinus?

The pilonidal sinus is observed more common in men and younger age groups. Although the disease initially manifests itself with the tiny hole or holes on the skin, it is usually difficult to notice at this stage. When the event is somehow accompanied by an infection, it manifests itself with the discharge or abscess.

What are the Pilonidal Sinus Treatment Options?

1) Phenol Treatment

The purpose in this treatment method is to irritate the subcutaneous space, which we call the sinus, with the phenol and to close the space. The procedure can require several sessions. The biggest advantage is that it can be done with the local anesthesia and does not cause loss of work force. It can be applied to the initial cases; however, being the probability of recurrence high is its disadvantage compared to other methods.

2) Laser Application

The aim is to ensure the closure of the sinus cavity, just like in the phenol treatment. The local anesthesia is sufficient. The laser is our primary treatment option in the initial cases, since a single session is usually sufficient and the probability of recurrence is low compared to the phenol treatment.

3) Microsinusectomy

It is our primary option in the patients who are not fistulized to the distant areas. A mini incision is sufficient for the procedure and recovery is achieved in about a week. The local or spinal anesthesia is applied to the patients before the procedure. The patient is discharged on the same day. He/she can return to his daily life in a few days.

4) Flap Method

In the advanced cases, our preference is the flap method in the periods when the skin and subcutaneous tissue need to be removed extensively. The diseased area is removed and this area is covered with the intact hip skin. The procedure is performed under the spinal anesthesia. The patients are discharged one day later.

Recommendations after the Treatment

According to the method applied to our patients, rest for a while is recommended. Regardless of the procedure, the most important criterion is that the area remains hairless for at least six months that prevents the recurrence of the disease. Therefore, the laser hair removal is recommended to all our cases one month after the procedure, which will be done in the qualified and conscious hands.