Pilonidal Sinus Treatment Near Me in Ahmedabad ​

Dealing with the discomfort and pain of the pilonidal sinus can be challenging. If you’re searching for the best pilonidal sinus doctor in Ahmedabad who understands these struggles, look no further than Tirtham Surgical Hospital. We specialize in providing compassionate care and effective treatments for pilonidal sinus, ensuring that you receive the relief and support you deserve. Our experienced team led by Dr. Alpesh Patel, renowned for his expertise in surgical solutions.

Effective Pilonidal Sinus Treatment in Ahmedabad

Pilonidal Sinus Surgery

Seeking relief from discomfort? Dr. Alpesh Patel brings advanced laparoscopic and general surgery expertise to your doorstep. Explore our minimally invasive approaches for optimal outcomes. Schedule your consultation today!

What is the Pilonidal Sinus?

A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or hole that develops in the skin, often found in the crease at the top of the buttocks. When infected, it can lead to the formation of an abscess or cyst filled with hair, dirt, and debris. 

This condition can cause intense pain, and the cyst may discharge pus and blood, sometimes accompanied by a strong odor. Pilonidal sinus infections are more common in men, especially young adults who spend long periods sitting, such as cab drivers.

Why does the Pilonidal Sinus Occur?

The exact cause of an infected pilonidal sinus isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to result from a combination of factors such as:

  • Hormonal changes post-puberty, 
  • Hair growth, and 
  • Friction from prolonged sitting or tight clothing.

Friction, especially from sitting for extended periods, can cause hair in the area to penetrate the skin again. The body perceives this hair as foreign and triggers an immune response, similar to reacting to a splinter.

This immune response leads to the formation of a cyst around the hair. Occasionally, individuals may develop multiple sinuses that connect beneath the skin.

Common Symptoms

Initially, a pilonidal sinus may not show any obvious symptoms except for a small, dimple-like depression on the skin’s surface. However, if this depression becomes infected, it can rapidly turn into a cyst (a closed sac filled with fluid) or an abscess (swollen and inflamed tissue that collects pus).

Symptoms of a pilonidal sinus infection include:

  • Pain while sitting or standing
  • Swelling of the cyst
  • Red, tender skin around the area
  • Discharge of pus or blood with a foul odor from the abscess
  • Hair sticking out from the lesion
  • Development of multiple sinus tracts or holes in the skin

How Can You Diagnose Pilonidal Sinus?

A pilonidal sinus doctor near you will begin with a thorough physical examination. They will inspect the crease of your buttocks to look for signs of a pilonidal cyst.

If a pilonidal cyst is present, it should be visible during the exam. Your provider may observe what appears to be a pimple or a cyst leaking fluid. They may also ask you a few questions:

  • Have you experienced pain or discomfort in the affected area?
  • Do you notice any swelling or redness around the pilonidal sinus?
  • Is there any drainage of pus or blood from the sinus?
  • Have you noticed any hair protruding from the lesion?
  • Have you had any recent trauma or injury to the area?
  • Do you spend prolonged periods sitting?

These questions help the doctor understand the nature and severity of the pilonidal sinus and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

In rare cases, a pilonidal sinus doctor near you may recommend a CT scan or MRI to examine for any sinus cavities (small holes) that may have developed under your skin’s surface.

What is the Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus?

There are several ways to treat pilonidal sinus. Let’s have a detailed look at each of them.

  • Antibiotics: If your pilonidal sinus is caught early and not causing severe pain or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This medication helps manage infection and discomfort, but it doesn’t cure the sinus tract. Your doctor will also advise regular follow-up exams, hair removal from the site, and good hygiene practices.
  • Lancing: This procedure relieves symptoms from an abscess, a collection of pus within the sinus. Before starting, your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Using a scalpel, they will open the abscess, clean out any hair, blood, and pus, and pack the wound with a sterile dressing. The wound heals naturally over about four weeks, and often, no further treatment is needed.
  • Phenol Injection: In this treatment, a local anesthetic is administered to you first. Then, phenol, an antiseptic chemical, is injected into the cyst. This procedure may need to be repeated several times. Over time, the injection causes the lesion to harden and close. However, in this treatment, there is a high chance of the sinus returning back. 
  • Surgery: If you have recurring pilonidal sinus infections or multiple sinus tracts, surgery may be necessary. You’ll receive a local anesthetic before the surgeon opens the lesions, removes all the pus and debris, and stitches the wounds closed. After surgery, your doctor will provide instructions for dressing changes and may recommend shaving the area to prevent hair from entering the wound.

What Happens if Pilonidal Sinus is Not Treated?

Let’s shed some light on what will happen if you leave the pilonidal sinus untreated.

  • Formation of abscess: Untreated pilonidal sinus can lead to the formation of abscesses, causing severe pain, swelling, and frequent purulent discharge with a foul smell. This condition requires multiple clothing changes and can disrupt your daily life.
  • Inflammation and swelling: Inflammation worsens the symptoms of pilonidal sinus, leading to stinging pain and soreness in the affected area. If this happens, you might need immediate treatment to alleviate these symptoms.
  • Chances of developing multiple cysts: Chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing multiple pilonidal cysts, which can result in significant swelling and pain. This can increase your discomfort and lead to frustration. 
  • Increased risk of cancer: Prolonged or recurrent pilonidal sinus can elevate the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. 
  • Complication of fistula: In rare cases, untreated pilonidal sinus can lead to a condition known as pilonidal fistula-in-ano, where the sinus extends to the anal canal, causing a fistula. If this happens, you need specialized treatment.

FAQ

How can I find the best pilonidal sinus doctor near me?
To find the best pilonidal sinus doctor near you, consider Tirtham Surgical Hospital in Ahmedabad. They specialize in advanced treatments for pilonidal sinus, led by experienced surgeons.
Surgery can take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the case.
Recovery typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, during which time patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities.
Tirtham Surgical Hospital has an expert team of doctors who specialize in giving you the best pilonidal sinus treatment in Ahmedabad.

Instructions include:

  • Wound care
  • Pain management
  • Activity restrictions and
  • Signs of infection to watch for.
Follow-up visits are typically scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.
Early signs include pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area, with or without drainage.
Dr. Alpesh Patel and his team have a well-established reputation for excellence in pilonidal sinus surgery in Ahmedabad.
Phenol injection can be effective in some cases but has a higher recurrence rate compared to surgery.
Pilonidal sinus may cause discomfort during sexual activity but does not typically affect libido or fertility.
Tirtham
SurgiMitra