Problem with pilonidal sinus (cyst)
I am suffering from a pilonidal sinus (cyst)
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole in the skin at the upper cleft of the buttocks. This only requires treatment if infection occurs.
What is the cause
The cause of the formation of pilonidal cysts (sinus pilonidalis, “twin”) is not fully understood. Hair growth is considered to be the most common cause. During inflammation, a cavity is formed that is filled with pus with the additional formation of fistulas (small tunnels) leading to the surface.
How the problem is diagnosed
The main symptom of the acute phase is soreness, redness and swelling. The abscess is often accompanied by fever and chills. In chronic cases, small inflammations, itching, pressure, redness and the expulsion of pus occur frequently. Spontaneous healing cannot be expected.
How the problem is treated
In the acute phase of this condition, treatment consists of an incision made under local or general anaesthetic, followed by cleaning to remove the pus. Antibiotic treatment may also be prescribed.
After the inflammation has been reduced, the most common type of surgery involves a complete removal of the cyst, with a significant effect on in the area of the coccyx (the tailbone at the base of the vertebrae). Healing takes anything from 2 weeks up to, in some cases, several months.
SiLaC is a new method designed to treat pilonidal cysts, which makes use of a laser. The laser effectively burns out the cyst from the inside, and this also leads to it being sealed. In this way, both the surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue are spared, and large, slow-healing wounds are avoided. The postoperative period is practically pain free.
The risks of surgery
In the vast majority of cases, SiLaC can be performed with no further complications. In the case of the surgical removal of the entire cyst, infections and bleeding may possibly occur, delaying the healing process of the wound.
It is necessary to accept the significant risk of the re-emergence of a cyst.
The postoperative period
In the case of SiLaC, this only involves showering and covering the wound with gauze for about 4 weeks. The wound is so small that it does not limit normal activities. After the procedure for the complete removal of the cyst, more frequent dressing, performed by the doctor, and some provisional restrictions to normal activities are necessary due to the size of the wound.
Official sick leave from work
With laser surgery, sick leave from work may not be prescribed at all. In the case of complete removal of the cyst, 1-6 weeks sick leave may be required depending on the nature of the patient’s job.