Pilonidal conditions affect the skin and tissue at the top of the natal cleft between the buttocks, where a sinus (a cavity), or an abscess forms. This condition is due to hair trapped in the natal clefts, causing pits and foreign body reaction/ infections.
Read more about pilonidal conditions here.
Treatment and surgery
If a pilonidal sinus has become infected (i.e. has become an abscess), an antibiotic is generally prescribed, followed by a surgical procedure to drain the abscess.
This is carried out under a general anaesthetic and the resulting cavity is not stitched but is dressed with absorbent material and allowed to heal naturally. Regular salt baths (Epsom salt), dry dressings and hair removal are important in healing of the wound.
After a simple drainage of the pilonidal abscess a portion of patients may develop further symptoms, including discharging pus from the pilonidal sinus and recurrent pilonidal abscess. In these cases, an elective surgery can be performed to improve the condition. There are many surgical options for pilonidal disease, including:
- Bascom's procedure
- Marsupialisation
- Karydakis procedure
- Simple excision and VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) dressing
- Flap reconstruction
Mr Choi will personally discuss the pros and cons of the various procedures and will recommend the most suitable surgery for you.
