The term "pilonidal sinus" is derived from the Latin words "pilo," meaning hair, and "nidus," meaning nest or root. Also known as a pilonidal cyst or sinus, this condition, often referred to as a hair follicle disease, can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found in areas such as the tailbone, armpits, groin, and around the genitals.
Contrary to popular belief, a pilonidal sinus or cyst is not a condition where hairs emerge from the skin but cannot escape, resulting in a circular growth. Rather, it is a condition characterized by the formation of a sinus or cyst, typically filled with hairs, beneath the skin.
While there are various opinions regarding the origin of pilonidal sinuses, the most widely accepted view attributes their formation to shed body hairs. A pilonidal sinus typically consists of a cavity filled with hairs, and its walls may exhibit granulation tissue, a form of imperfect healing tissue.
Treatment is not possible with medication or other non-invasive methods. It invariably requires classical surgery or a minor surgical intervention. The primary objective of treatment is to eliminate both the hairs and the hair follicle.
While pilonidal sinus can occur in both genders, it is more commonly observed in males. Although it can be present in individuals of any age, it is most frequently encountered in the age range of 25 to 35.
Pilonidal sinus is a condition that arises when body hairs, shed naturally, enter skin pores and create a nest for themselves. The accumulation of these hairs within the created nest results in the development of this disease. Although it is commonly observed in the coccyx region, it can also occur in the groin, armpits, and various other parts of the body.
In individuals with pilonidal sinus, symptoms may include a draining hole (sinus opening),swelling, redness, and signs of abscess such as pain. The typical treatment for this condition is surgery. If there is an abscess, it should be drained first. Subsequently, antibiotic treatment is initiated, and a permanent surgical plan is made for the patient. Surgical methods, as well as laser treatment in appropriate cases, may be part of this comprehensive treatment.
Pilonidal sinus, or pilonidal cyst, does not have the likelihood of spontaneous healing or improvement through medical treatment. Medical treatment is typically applied after complications have arisen, such as the development of an abscess, and is often implemented following abscess drainage. The primary and most effective treatment for pilonidal sinus is surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the pilonidal sinus along with its nest.
Various surgical methods are available for treating this condition, and the choice of surgical method depends on the localization and extent of the pilonidal sinus. Surgical procedures can range from primary excision to flap-based surgical approaches. In addition, small surgical interventions known as microsurgery are also applied.
Furthermore, in selected cases, treatments such as phenol application or laser therapy are available. However, these methods may not be suitable for every patient, as the chances of success with these approaches are lower in advanced cases.
Laser treatment for pilonidal sinus (ingrown hair) is applicable to selected and suitable patients. It is essential that the condition of pilonidal disease is not advanced (complicated). Laser treatment involves thorough cleaning and curettage of the pilonidal sinus "cavity," followed by the use of a laser probe to treat this cavity, which is not excessively large.
The laser treatment for ingrown hair is considered as an alternative method to surgical removal in cases where it is feasible. In suitable cases, the procedure can be performed in office conditions under local anesthesia after cleaning the pilonidal sinus cavity. The laser probe is inserted into the ingrown hair cavity, and the treatment is carried out with laser beams. This way, the procedure is completed quickly, allowing the patient to resume their daily life. It is a relatively comfortable procedure for the patient.
Compared to surgical methods for treating ingrown hair, laser treatment is less invasive and less painful. However, it is crucial to note that laser treatment may not be suitable for every case of ingrown hair. A thorough examination and evaluation are necessary before deciding on this treatment method, ensuring that it is applied to selected and appropriate cases. This approach can lead to much better results.
Laser treatment for pilonidal sinus (ingrown hair) may not be suitable for everyone. The primary goal is to prevent the recurrence of the disease since pilonidal disease is prone to recurrence regardless of the treatment method applied.
Laser treatment for ingrown hair can be conducted in outpatient settings under local anesthesia or, in conjunction with sedation anesthesia, in an operating room.
Following a thorough examination of the patient, in suitable and selected cases, after cleaning the ingrown hair cavity, the laser probe is inserted into the cavity, and the ingrown hair is treated with laser beams. This completes the ingrown hair treatment. Compared to surgery, this method is more comfortable, quicker, less painful, and allows for a faster return to social activities.
Laser treatment for pilonidal sinus (ingrown hair),as one of the treatment methods, incurs additional costs compared to other surgical procedures due to the use of the laser probe. This adds to the overall cost of the treatment. For information on the cost of pilonidal sinus laser treatment, please contact us.
Laser Treatment Following laser treatment for pilonidal sinus (ingrown hair),the patient is typically discharged on the same day or the next day. It should be noted that there is a recovery period for this treatment, and immediate restoration to the previous state is not expected right after the procedure. It is crucial to remember that the condition may recur, and in case of even the slightest discomfort, the patient should consult with their physician.
There are several advantages to laser treatment for ingrown hair, including:
The laser treatment for ingrown hair, conducted in outpatient settings under local anesthesia, typically takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. The patient can walk, resume their daily activities, and there is no need for them to rest, lie down, or take time off.
No treatment method for ingrown hair has been reported to have a 100% success rate in any source. Ingrown hair is a condition that can recur. However, the fact that it can recur in one person does not mean it will recur in every case. In the case of laser treatment for ingrown hair, the likelihood of recurrence is low in selected and suitable cases.
The traditional surgical approach and laser treatment for ingrown hair are typically performed by experienced General Surgeons.
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Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
PROF. DR. SEZAI AYDIN
