...

Understanding Pilonidal Sinus Incision and Drainage

Pilonidal sinus incision and drainage is a surgical treatment for an infected abscess. It involves making a small cut in the abscess to allow the pus to drain. Depending on the size of the abscess, you’ll likely receive a local or general anaesthetic. A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel at the top of your buttocks, and treatment is usually only necessary if it becomes infected. An infection can cause pain, swelling, and a pus-filled abscess, making it difficult to sit down. Recurrent infections can cause persistent issues like pain, discomfort, and dripping pus or blood.

Pilonidal Sinus Incision and Drainage Treats:

Check IconChronic pilonidal sinus
Check IconPilonidal sinus abscesses
Check IconRecurrent pilonidal infections
Check IconSevere pain and swelling from abscesses
Check IconInfection relief from pilonidal conditions
 

Understanding Pilonidal Sinus Incision and Drainage

Pilonidal sinus incision and drainage is a surgical treatment for an infected abscess. It involves making a small cut in the abscess to allow the pus to drain. Depending on the size of the abscess, you’ll likely receive a local or general anaesthetic. A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel at the top of your buttocks, and treatment is usually only necessary if it becomes infected. An infection can cause pain, swelling, and a pus-filled abscess, making it difficult to sit down. Recurrent infections can cause persistent issues like pain, discomfort, and dripping pus or blood.

Pilonidal Sinus Incision and Drainage Treats:

Check IconChronic pilonidal sinus
Check IconPilonidal sinus abscesses
Check Icon Recurrent pilonidal infections
Check Icon Severe pain and swelling from abscesses
Check Icon Infection relief from pilonidal conditions

How Does Pilonidal Sinus Drainage Procedure Work?

Understanding Pilonidal Sinus Incision and Drainage

Pilonidal sinus incision and drainage is a surgical treatment for an infected abscess. It involves making a small cut in the abscess to allow the pus to come out. The procedure can be done in a doctor’s clinic and usually takes 30-45 minutes. During the procedure, you’ll receive local anaesthesia to numb the area, but in some cases, you may need a general anaesthetic if the abscess is large. After making the cut, the wound is packed with gauze and left open to heal. You must change the dressing regularly to keep the area clean and promote healing.

Patients with long, deep tracts (more than 5cm), multiple openings, or signs of infection on the day of surgery may have a small tube (Silastic seton) put in after the tracts are cleaned out. This tube helps keep the tracts draining constantly and prevents them from closing.

The recovery from pilonidal cyst removal can take 6 to 8 weeks. This procedure is usually done as a day surgery, which means you’ll go home the same day. Following your doctor’s instructions ensures proper healing and prevents further complications. During the recovery period, it’s essential to keep the wound clean and dry, avoid heavy lifting or bending, and attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure the wound is healing properly.

Treatment At a Glance

Purpose

Purpose

Pilonidal Sinus
Procedure Duration

Procedure Duration

30-45 Minutes
Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

Local and General

Purpose

Pilonidal Sinus

Pain

Mild to moderate

Procedure Duration

30-45 Minutes

Recovery Time

6-8 Weeks

Drive

At least 1 week

Anaesthesia

Local and General

Recovery Time

Recovery Time

6-8 Weeks
Pain

Pain

Mild to moderate
Drive

Drive

At least 1 week

Benefits of Pilonidal Abscess Removal Surgery

Rapid Pain Relief

Many patients experience significant pain reduction shortly after the procedure and get quick relief.

Minimally Invasive

The procedure involves a small incision and is performed on an outpatient basis, reducing recovery time.

Long-Term Solution

Draining the abscess helps prevent future infections and offers a long-term solution.

Less Likelihood of Recurrence

Proper drainage and cleaning of the abscess reduce the chances of recurrence, relieving painful symptoms.

Chronic Pilonidal Sinus Relief

Effective for patients with recurring infections and abscesses that haven’t responded to other treatments.

Improved Comfort and Mobility

By reducing pain and swelling, it eases discomfort and improves mobility, allowing a quick return to normal activities.

Let’s
Connect Now


Pilonidal Sinus Drainage Surgery Cost

Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?

At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders

Patient Testimonials

Mr Chaudhri is an excellent surgeon I can’t thank him enough for the operations he performed on me after i was diagnosed with bowel cancer, the care he showed me before and after the operations, his friendly nature and reassurance was a great help to me during a stressful time in my life i owe so much to him and i will always be grateful to him and his colleagues .

Written by an NHS patient

Satisfied Client

I’ve been under Mr Chaudhri’s care for around 2 years now and he has always shown me the best, personal care I could ask for.

Written by an NHS patient

Satisfied Client

This doctor spoke to you and made jokes to make you feel at ease. He was also clearly very knowledgable, and his words/advice were comforting and I left feeling uplifted. With regards to the procedure itself, he wasn’t aggressive but nor was he too slow where you had time to consider the slight discomfort; the pace and strength were fine and made for a quick and easy colonoscopy.

Written by an NHS patient

Satisfied Client

Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Meet The Team

Sanjay Chaudhri

Mr Sanjay Chaudhri

Francois Runau

Mr Francois Runau

Pippa Powley

Pippa Powley

Rebecca West

Rebecca West

Meet the team

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about pilonidal sinus incision and drainage

01. Will I be under general anaesthesia during pilonidal cyst surgery?

You’ll receive a local or general anaesthetic depending on the abscess size. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis, which means you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. To ensure your comfort, you’ll be given medication that will either put you to sleep (general anaesthesia) or numb the lower part of your body (local anaesthesia). Either way, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

02. Can I walk after the incision and drainage of the pilonidal abscess?

Yes, you can walk independently the same day after pilonidal cyst drainage. However, your doctor may advise you to rest in bed for 2 days to ensure a smooth recovery. Complete recovery normally takes around 6-8 weeks.

03. How painful is pilonidal sinus incision and drainage surgery?

For the first few days after surgery, you may feel some discomfort and pain in the affected area. The pain may worsen before it eases, but it will eventually subside.

04. How long does it take to recover from pilonidal cyst surgery?

The recovery time varies depending on the surgical method used. The recovery time from pilonidal abscess removal surgery can take 6 to 8 weeks. After healing, you’ll have scars that will fade and become softer over time. Most people can resume their regular activities in a few days or weeks.

05. Is pilonidal cyst incision and drainage major or minor?

Pilonidal cyst incision and drainage is a minor procedure that involves removing the cyst and any surrounding infection.

06. When can I sit after pilonidal cyst drainage?

You can sit down the day after the surgery, but make sure to sit on a cushioned and supportive surface for as long as you can tolerate. This helps reduce fluid buildup in the week following surgery.

07. What are the disadvantages of pilonidal sinus incision and drainage?

There are a few downsides to incision and drainage:

  • Drains can be painful and inconvenient.
  • They may increase the risk of infection.
  • They don’t always prevent fluid buildup.
  • The drain can become blocked, or a fluid buildup can occur after removal.
Contact Us Today
Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and the best treatment options for you. For more information about the treatments, book a consultation and contact our Leicester clinic.