Pilonidal sinus is a disease that occurs in the tailbone area. It is a cyst that forms as a result of inflammation of hairs in the tissue beneath the skin. It begins with the accumulation of hairs in the tailbone area beneath the skin. The friction that occurs in this region leads to blockage of hair roots and the formation of infection. Subsequently, a cyst or abscess forms beneath the skin. This cyst becomes a sinus and connects to the skin surface through one or more openings.
Pilonidal sinus surgery is the surgical treatment of this problem. The goal of the surgery is to clean the sinus, eliminate the infection, and prevent the sinus from forming again. This disease occurs as a result of hair accumulation beneath the skin and can be treated with non-surgical methods only when it shows symptoms such as itching. After infection develops, conditions such as pain, purulent discharge, and abscess may occur. In this case, surgery is considered as a treatment option.
✓What is Pilonidal Sinus?
✓Pilonidal sinus is a disease that occurs in the coccygeal region (tailbone area). It is a cyst that forms as a result of hair inflammation in the tissue beneath the skin. It begins with the accumulation of hair in the coccygeal region under the skin. The friction that occurs in this area leads to blockage of hair roots and infection formation. Subsequently, a cyst or abscess forms beneath the skin. This cyst becomes a sinus and connects to the skin surface through one or more openings.
✓How is Pilonidal Sinus Diagnosed?
✓Pilonidal sinus diagnosis can be made through physical examination. The doctor carefully examines the coccygeal region. The openings are usually visible to the eye. Signs of redness, swelling, pus, and discharge are looked for.
✓What is Pilonidal Sinus Surgery?
✓Pilonidal sinus surgery is the surgical treatment of this condition. The goal of the surgery is to clean the sinus, eliminate the infection, and prevent the sinus from forming again. This disease occurs as a result of hair accumulation beneath the skin and can be treated with non-surgical methods when it only shows symptoms like itching. After infection develops, conditions such as pain, purulent discharge, and abscess may arise. In this case, surgery is considered as a treatment option.
✓How is Pilonidal Sinus Surgery Performed?
✓Pilonidal sinus surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The coccygeal region is numbed. An incision is made in the area where the sinus is located. The size of this incision may vary depending on the extent of the sinus and the size of the cyst. The interior of the sinus is carefully cleaned and the cyst is completely removed. The accumulated pus, fluid, and hair roots inside are cleaned.
✓After the cyst is removed, the wound area is cleaned, and when necessary, a drainage tube is placed to drain the accumulated fluids and pus in this manner. Different methods can be used to close the wound. There are methods of natural wound closure, closure with sutures, or skin grafting techniques.
✓Risks and Complications of Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
✓There is an infection risk in the treatment of this disease. Especially during the post-operative period, attention must be paid to wound care.
✓There is a risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
✓Problems related to wound healing may arise. The wound may open, or incomplete healing may be observed.
✓Fluid accumulation may be seen in the wound area after surgery. In this way, infection risk increases and wound healing may be delayed.
✓Post-operative pain, sensitivity, and discomfort sensations may occur but may be short-lived.
✓Scar formation may occur in the wound area as part of tissue healing.
✓What are the Pilonidal Sinus Treatment Options?
✓1) Phenol Treatment: The aim of this treatment method is to irritate the subcutaneous cavity called sinus with phenol and achieve closure of the cavity. The procedure may require several sessions. The greatest advantage is that it can be performed under local anesthesia and does not result in loss of work capacity. It can be applied to initial cases, but the disadvantage is the higher recurrence rate compared to other methods.
✓2) Laser Application: The aim is to achieve closure of the sinus cavity, just as in phenol treatment. Local anesthesia is sufficient. Due to the fact that generally a single session is sufficient and the recurrence rate is lower compared to phenol treatment, laser is our primary treatment option in initial cases.
✓3) Microsinus Excision: It is our primary choice in cases that have not fistulized to distant areas. A mini incision is sufficient for the procedure and healing is achieved in approximately one week. Patients receive local or spinal anesthesia before the procedure. The patient is discharged the same day. Patients can return to their daily activities within a few days.
✓4) Flap Method: In advanced cases where wide removal of skin and subcutaneous tissue is necessary, the flap method is our choice. The diseased area is removed and this area is covered with healthy buttock skin. The procedure is performed under spinal anesthesia. Patients are discharged after one day.
Who experiences ingrown hair more frequently?
It is more common, particularly in young men aged 15–35. Dense body hair, excess weight, jobs requiring prolonged sitting, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the risk factors.
What happens if ingrown hair is not treated?
Untreated ingrown hair can lead to recurrent infections, chronic abscesses, and the development of new channels opening onto the skin. This condition may require more extensive surgery.
When can one return to work after surgery?
The return timeline varies depending on the method applied and the nature of the work. With minimally invasive methods, this period is generally shorter; the exact timeline is determined by the physician.
What is the medical name for ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair is called 'pilonidal sinus' or 'pilonidal disease' in medical terminology. This term has Latin origins and means 'hair nest'. It generally refers to an inflamed cyst or sinus structure caused by hairs entering under the skin, typically in the tailbone region.
What can be done at home for ingrown hair pain and inflammation?
In cases of mild pain and discomfort, keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding tight clothing, and not sitting for prolonged periods may provide relief. Sitz baths with warm water can reduce symptoms. However, if there is redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, this may be a sign of infection and home remedies may not be sufficient. In this case, rather than applying medication or cream on your own, it is recommended to consult a general surgery specialist for an appropriate treatment plan.
How is ingrown hair removed surgically?
The aim in ingrown hair treatment is complete removal of the inflamed sinus tissue and hair debris within it. In small and early-stage cases, microsinusectomy or laser methods may be sufficient for local treatment, while in recurrent or widespread disease, classic surgical excision is preferred. Which method will be applied is determined by the surgeon based on the stage of the disease, previous recurrences, and examination findings. Post-operative wound care also plays an important role in reducing recurrence risk.
If ingrown hair is diagnosed early, how is the treatment process?
If ingrown hair is detected in its early stage, before abscess or discharge develops, treatment options may be simpler. At this stage, keeping the area clean and dry, regular hair removal, and minor interventions under medical supervision (such as microsinusectomy, laser) can address the problem before it worsens. Early diagnosis can reduce the need for recurrent abscesses and more extensive surgery. If you notice sensitivity, mild swelling, or a small dimple in the tailbone area, consult a general surgery specialist without delay.
What should be done if an abscess in the tailbone area ruptures on its own?
If an abscess in the tailbone area ruptures on its own, you should gently clean the area with warm water without rubbing it and cover it with a clean gauze pad. If discharge continues, or if there are signs such as fever, foul odor, or spreading redness, seek medical attention immediately. Although a self-draining abscess may provide temporary relief, the underlying sinus tract usually persists and can recur. Therefore, it is important to be examined by a general surgery specialist after the abscess drains to plan permanent treatment.
What helps with ingrown hair, and what should be paid attention to in daily life?
To reduce ingrown hair discomfort, it is recommended to keep the area clean and dry, avoid prolonged sitting, prefer comfortable clothing over tight garments, and regularly remove hair from the area. Weight control may also be helpful as excess weight and perspiration can increase symptoms. However, these recommendations are only supportive in nature; for a permanent solution, the underlying sinus tract must be evaluated by a general surgery specialist and an appropriate treatment method must be determined.
How is the treatment fee determined?
The fee for ingrown hair treatment cannot be determined before examination. Which method is appropriate, the stage and extent of the disease, the type of anesthesia to be used, whether the procedure will be performed in the clinic or hospital, and accompanying health conditions change the plan; these can only be clarified during examination. In accordance with regulations governing information disclosure in healthcare services, fee information is not included on this site; you will be informed following examination along with your personalized treatment plan.