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Understanding Pilonidal Sinus Laser-Assisted Closure

Pilonidal sinus disease is a chronic condition that causes painful cysts or abscesses (pus) to form at the base of the spine. Traditional surgery to treat this condition involves removing the affected tissue and closing the wound with a flap, which can be a painful and lengthy process. Laser ablation is a highly effective treatment for pilonidal sinus. Pilonidal sinus laser-assisted closure (PiLAC) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to remove infected tissue, and it’s usually done under local anaesthesia. Laser-assisted surgery uses precise laser energy to target and remove the diseased tissue, minimising damage to surrounding healthy skin.

Pilonidal Sinus Laser Surgery Treats:

Check IconChronic Pilonidal Sinus
Check IconRecurrent Infections
Check Icon Pain and Discomfort in the Tailbone Area
Check IconDischarge from Sinus Tract
 

Understanding Pilonidal Sinus Laser-Assisted Closure

Pilonidal sinus disease is a chronic condition that causes painful cysts or abscesses (pus) to form at the base of the spine. Traditional surgery to treat this condition involves removing the affected tissue and closing the wound with a flap, which can be a painful and lengthy process.

Laser ablation is a highly effective treatment for pilonidal sinus. Pilonidal sinus laser-assisted closure (PiLAC) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to remove infected tissue, and it’s usually done under local anaesthesia. Laser-assisted surgery uses precise laser energy to target and remove the diseased tissue, minimising damage to surrounding healthy skin.

Pilonidal Sinus Laser Surgery Treats:

Check IconChronic Pilonidal Sinus
Check IconRecurrent Infections

Check Icon   Pain and Discomfort in the Tailbone Area

Check Icon   Discharge from Sinus Tract

What Is a Pilonidal Sinus?

A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or hole in the skin, usually found at the top of the buttocks crease near the tailbone. It often contains hair, dirt, or pus, which can cause infection, swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge. The name “pilonidal” means “nest of hair”, because hair trapped in the sinus is usually the main cause. It’s common in men and in people who sit for long periods or have thick body hair.

Here’s the Step-by-Step Pilonidal Sinus Laser-Assisted Closure Procedure

Step 1 – Local Anaesthesia

  • First, we numb the area with a local anaesthetic around the affected area.
  • This numbs the area so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

  • First, we numb the area with a local anaesthetic around the affected area.
  • This numbs the area so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

  • The surgeon makes a small cut at the opening of the sinus to reach the tract.
  • Using a curette (a small spoon-like tool), the surgeon carefully removes all trapped hair, pus, and debris from inside the sinus tract.
  • This cleaning is important because hair and debris are the main causes of recurring infections.
  • The process ensures that the sinus is fully cleared, which helps the laser work more effectively in the next step.

  • A special thread (black drainage thread) is passed through the sinus tract.
  • The thread keeps the tract open, so pus or infection can drain out slowly and naturally.
  • Over time, this also helps the sinus heal from the inside.

  • A laser is used to burn or close the unhealthy tissue inside the sinus.
  • This makes the sinus smaller and reduces the chance of infection coming back.

After the laser is done, the sinus walls collapse and start to seal themselves from the inside. The tract is now closed, and the healing process begins. The opening is very small, so no big stitches are needed, just a small dressing to keep it clean.

Step 2 – Hair Removal

  • The surgeon makes a small cut at the opening of the sinus to reach the tract.
  • Using a curette (a small spoon-like tool), the surgeon carefully removes all trapped hair, pus, and debris from inside the sinus tract.
  • This cleaning is important because hair and debris are the main causes of recurring infections.
  • The process ensures that the sinus is fully cleared, which helps the laser work more effectively in the next step.

Step 3 – Drainage Thread Placement

  • A special thread (black drainage thread) is passed through the sinus tract.
  • The thread keeps the tract open, so pus or infection can drain out slowly and naturally.
  • Over time, this also helps the sinus heal from the inside.

Step 4 – Laser Ablation

  • A laser is used to burn or close the unhealthy tissue inside the sinus.
  • This makes the sinus smaller and reduces the chance of infection coming back.

Step 5 – Closing down the Sinus

After the laser is done, the sinus walls collapse and start to seal themselves from the inside. The tract is now closed, and the healing process begins. The opening is very small, so no big stitches are needed, just a small dressing to keep it clean.

Treatment At a Glance

Purpose

Purpose

Pilonidal sinus
Procedure Duration

Procedure Duration

15-20 Minutes
Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

Local

Purpose

Pilonidal sinus

Pain

Minimal

Procedure Duration

15-20 Minutes

Recovery Time

1 Week

Drive

After 12 hours

Anaesthesia

Local

Recovery Time

Recovery Time

1 Week
Pain

Pain

Minimal
Drive

Drive

After 12 hours

Benefits of Pilonidal Sinus Laser Surgery

Reduced Pain

Experience minimal discomfort after the procedure, with less pain and soreness.

Shorter Recovery Times

Get back to your normal routine quickly. Most patients recover within 7 days.

High Efficacy

Benefit from a highly effective treatment that successfully removes the pilonidal sinus with long-lasting results.

No Cuts or Stitches

Benefit from a minimally invasive procedure that doesn't require surgical incisions.

No Bleeding

The laser treatment is designed to minimise bleeding and promote a clean, dry recovery.

Low Chance of Infection

Reduce your risk of infection with a sterile laser procedure that targets and destroys bacteria.

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Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment 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 .

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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

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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 Laser-Assisted Closure Surgery

01. What are the symptoms of pilonidal sinus?

If you have a pilonidal sinus, you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • A smelly discharge coming from the affected area.
  • Bleeding from the opening of the skin.
  • Visible marks or holes just above the crack of the buttocks.
  • Pain when sitting or standing can be uncomfortable.
  • Hair growing out of the lesion (which can be quite unusual and unsettling).

02. Can I walk after pilonidal surgery?

Yes, you can walk after laser treatment for the pilonidal sinus. In fact, you’ll be able to walk on your own on the same day as the procedure. However, your doctor will likely recommend taking it easy for the first two days and getting plenty of rest. This will lessen any discomfort and accelerate your body’s healing process. It’s important to note that it may take around 7 days to fully recover from the surgery, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the time you need to rest and recover.

03. What's laser-assisted pilonidal sinus surgery, and how is it different from the traditional kind?

Laser-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser technology to treat pilonidal sinus disease. Unlike traditional surgery, which involves cutting out the affected tissue, laser surgery uses focused energy to precisely target and remove the infected tissue. This approach is less invasive, resulting in less pain, faster recovery times, and better cosmetic results. Think of it like a precise, high-tech solution that gets the job done with minimal disruption to your body.

04. Can anyone with pilonidal sinus disease get laser surgery?

Laser surgery is a great option for most people with pilonidal sinus disease, but it’s not suitable for everyone. The decision to have laser surgery depends on the specifics of your condition and your overall health. Your doctor will assess your individual situation and recommend the best treatment approach for you, which might be laser surgery or a different method. They’ll help you determine the most effective way to treat your pilonidal sinus disease.

05. Is a pilonidal sinus harmful?

A pilonidal sinus itself isn’t harmful, but it can lead to recurring infections that can be painful and frustrating. These infections can be managed with antibiotics, but if left untreated, there’s a small chance that they develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. So, it’s important to get proper treatment and take care of your pilonidal sinus to avoid any potential complications.

06. What increases your risk of getting a pilonidal sinus?

Certain factors can raise your chances of developing a pilonidal sinus. These include:

  • Skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa
  • A sedentary lifestyle (spending too much time sitting or being inactive)
  • Sitting for long periods
  • Having excess body hair
  • Being overweight or obese

07. What causes a pilonidal sinus?

A pilonidal sinus can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Sitting for extended periods, which can put pressure on the skin
  • Wearing tight clothes that rub against the skin
  • Hair piercing the skin (hair puncture)
  • Hormonal changes or imbalances
  • Friction or rubbing of the skin, which can lead to irritation and infection
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