Laser Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus is an advanced method for treating pilonidal sinus. In this procedure, a laser beam is used to remove debris and pus from the pilonidal sinus. This procedure is also known as Laser Pilonidoplasty.
Laser surgery for pilonidal sinus is a daycare procedure. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete. This procedure includes several advantages, such as less pain, fewer complications, reduced tissue trauma, and fast recovery.
Surgery Name |
Laser Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus |
Alternative Name |
Laser Pilonidoplasty |
Diseases Treated |
Acute and chronic pilonidal sinus |
Benefits of the Surgery |
Less pain, No cuts or incisions, Fewer complications, Fast recovery |
Treated by |
General surgeon or Dermatologist |
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Laser Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus Cost here.
What is Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery?
Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery is an advanced method for treating pilonidal sinus. Pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammatory condition that is present at the top of the buttock in line with the buttock cleft. A laser beam is used to remove debris and pus from the pilonidal sinus.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
The skin is the largest external and primary protective organ of the body. It is made up of three layers of tissues. The upper layer is the epidermis, the layer below the epidermis is the dermis, and the third layer is the subcutaneous tissue.
- The epidermis provides a waterproof barrier and contributes to the tone of the skin.
- The dermis contains connective tissue, hair follicles, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and sweat glands.
- The subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.
The skin covers the entire external surface and serves as a first-order physical barrier against the environment. Its function includes:
- Protection against microorganisms, dehydration, ultraviolet light, and mechanical damage.
- Sensation of pain, temperature, touch, and deep pressure starts with the skin.
- Mobility: The skin allows smooth movement of the body.
- Endocrine activity: The skin initiates the biochemical processes involved in Vitamin D production, which is essential for calcium absorption and normal bone metabolism.
- Exocrine activity: The skin secretes products that can harm the body such as urea and ammonia.
- Immunity development against pathogens.
- Regulation of Temperature: Skin participates in thermal regulation by conserving or releasing heat and helps maintain the body’s water and homeostatic balance.
Conditions treated with Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
Generally, laser pilonidal sinus surgery is done to treat acute and chronic pilonidal sinus.
Who needs Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery?
The doctor advises laser pilonidal sinus surgery when the pilonidal sinus is recurrent and infected. The doctor may also recommend this surgery when the non-invasive methods cannot provide relief to the patient. The general symptoms of pilonidal sinus include:
- Depression on the skin
- Cyst or abscess formation
- Blood or pus draining from the abscess
- Red or sore skin surrounding the area
- Pain and discomfort while standing or sitting
Know more about Laser Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus
How is Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery performed?
Laser pilonidal sinus surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete, depending upon the patient’s age, other medical conditions of the patient and severity of the case. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. A trained General Surgeon or a Dermatologist along with other professional staff may perform the laser pilonidal sinus surgery through the following steps:
- The surgeon will advise the patient to be in a jack-knife position. In this position, the patient lies on the abdomen, and the head and feet of the patient are at a lower level with the middle portion above the level. This position allows the surgeon to clearly visualise the pilonidal sinus cyst and assist in proper surgery.
- The anesthesiologist will administer local anaesthesia to prevent any discomfort during the surgery.
- The surgeon will make a criss-cross incision on the abscess to remove the damaged tissue completely. Following this, the surgeon identifies the connection of the abscess with the sinus.
- The surgeon scoops the sinus tract as much as possible.
- The surgeon will then use the radial fibre to remove the damaged tissues from the sinus tract and the abscess wall.
- The surgeon will then initially deliver the diode laser (8W with 1470 nm) and withdraw the fibre by one centimetre. The surgeon will again deliver the laser until the damaged tissue is removed from the entire length of the sinus tract.
- After the laser procedure, the surgeon will squeeze the tract to drain out the fluid. The flushing will be done through normal saline and hydrogen peroxide.
- Fibre will then be used to seal the complete sinus tract.
- There will be no dressing on the wound, which is kept open for drainage. The surgeon may also prefer closed healing.
- If the surgeon wishes to have open healing, he/she may ask the patient to use sanitary pads to absorb the drainage.
What to expect before and on the day of Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery?
The patient may expect the following before or on the day of the surgery.
Before Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
A patient may expect the following before the surgery:
- The surgeon will comprehensively evaluate the lower back, starting from the anal verge to the mid-back. It is to check for all abscesses, pits and cavities. Missing even a single hole or cavity is one of the most common causes of pilonidal sinus recurrence.
- The surgeon will also recommend some blood tests to look for any infections or allergies.
- The surgeon will also advise the patient to undergo a pre-anaesthesia check-up. Based on the check-up report, the hospital will confirm the surgery date.
- The surgeon/doctor will make a file and record vital information related to the surgery. It includes medical history, family history, any specific condition that may alter the outcome of surgery, and allergy to any medications.
- The doctor may advise the patient to stop medicines that have the potential to cause bleeding, such as aspirin and NSAIDs.
- The patient may be advised to stop eating or drinking at least one night before the surgery.
- The doctor will explain the detailed surgery procedures, duration of the surgery and hospital stay, and how to prepare for the surgery.
On the day of the Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
The patient may expect the following on the day of surgery:
- The patient must reach the hospital before the scheduled time to avoid the last-minute hustle. In addition, it will help the patient to relax before the surgery.
- The patient will be asked to sign a consent form before the surgery.
- The staff will instruct the patient to remove jewellery, dentures, and contact lenses before the surgery.
- The staff will ask the patient to change their clothes and wear gowns.
- The staff will shave the buttocks area of the patient to make the sinus clearly visible.
- The patient will be evaluated by clinical examination. It includes a digital rectal examination, Blood tests (CBC), blood urea/sugar, complete blood chemistry, and coagulation profile.
- The staff or the surgeon will insert an IV line. It will be used to administer fluid and drugs that may be required during the procedure.
- The patient will then be shifted to the operating room.
Risks and complications of Laser Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
Laser pilonidal sinus surgery is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery rate. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with the surgery that a patient may experience while undergoing the procedure. Some of the risks and complications associated with laser pilonidal sinus surgery are:
- Pain and swelling at the site of surgery
- Fever and other signs of infection, such as chills
- Failed or delayed wound healing
- Recurrence of pilonidal sinus
When is consultation with the doctor needed?
The patient must consult the doctor when he/she experiences:
- Pain
- Swelling or inflammation
- Infection in the surgical area
- Bleeding
- Pus discharge from the surgical site