Mostly men and young adults suffer from pilonidal sinus (PNS) which is a small cyst that crops up in the cleft at the upper edge of buttocks. If it gets infected, the abscess may produce pus, blood and a bad smell and triggers extreme pain and discomfort. The condition is treated based on the extent of infection and how early it is diagnosed.

Early diagnosis

If it is diagnosed early wherein there is not much pain or swelling, your doctor may advise a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is an antibiotic that is used to treat different bacteria. If the condition is resolved with this antibiotic, then your doctor will recommend a second examination and advise regular hair removal at the cleft for improved personal hygiene.

Incision and drainage

If the infection causes pain, your doctor may use a treatment option called lancing wherein you are first administered a local anaesthetic. The abscess is then opened using a scalpel after which hair, pus and blood in the abscess is cleaned away. The wound is left open, packed with sterile dressing and left to heal inside out.

Excisional surgery

If you periodically suffer from pilonidal sinus or if you suffer because of more than one sinus tract, surgery may be advised. You are thus given a local aesthetic after which the surgeon opens the lesions and removes all the pus and debris.
This done, your surgeon will stitch the wound close. You will also be taught how to change the dressings and will be advised to shave the site to prevent hair from growing into the wound.

Dr El-Khoury will discuss the operation detailing the indications, the risks and the benefits of the surgery and will also supplement his discussions with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons information on the surgery.