If you suffer from pain, recurring Pilonidal Sinus fistulas or sudden abscesses, you know how much this condition can affect your everyday life. However, there are modern ways to alleviate your symptoms and treat the fistula. We will find the right way for you to reduce the pain, treat the inflammation and prevent recurrence. Find out more about the various treatment options here.
Pilonidal Sinus-Treatment - finding the right method
The treatment options for Pilonidal Sinus depend on several factors that can vary from person to person. Decisive for the choice of the appropriate therapy are
- Stage of the disease: In the early stages or with smaller fistulas, conservative measures can alleviate the symptoms, while advanced or recurring fistulas require surgical treatment.
- Extent and location of the fistula: The size of the fistula, the depth of the fistula tract and the location in the gluteal fold influence whether minimally invasive procedures or conventional surgical methods are more appropriate.
- Symptoms and complaints: Severe inflammation, recurring abscesses or severe pain require more targeted and often more intensive treatment than low-symptom fistulas.
- Risk factors and concomitant diseases: Factors such as obesity, smoking or a family predisposition can affect healing and influence the choice of therapy.
- Patient preference and lifestyle: The patient's personal preference and everyday life also play a role - many prefer less invasive methods in order to be active again quickly.
The best treatment for a pilonidal sinus is determined individually based on the findings in order to ensure optimal healing and avoid relapses. We will advise you in detail and choose the right method together with you. The following treatment options are available:
- Conservative measures without surgery
- Minimally invasive surgical methods
- Classic surgical techniques
Book an appointment at our specialist practice in Munich. With over 7000 operations, we are there for you with our special expertise!
Conservative treatment of Pilonidal Sinus - Is it possible without surgery?
Conservative treatment of Pilonidal Sinus involves attempting to alleviate the symptoms through non-surgical measures. This form of treatment is suitable in the early stages of the disease or for minor abscesses.
What conservative measures are available?
- Hygienic measures: Regular showering and thorough cleaning of the gluteal fold can help to reduce inflammation and support wound healing. Daily care can prevent the penetration of hair.
- Hair removal: Removing hair in the affected area, for example by shaving or laser therapy, can reduce the risk of new fistula formations and alleviate existing symptoms.
- Local wound care: Antiseptic ointments such as PVP iodine or chlorhexidine and disinfectant baths help to clean the wound and can reduce inflammation. This measure helps to reduce the risk of infection.
- Antibiotics: In the case of acute inflammation or minor abscesses, antibiotic treatment can be used to calm the symptoms. It works against bacteria that inflame the fistula.
Conservative treatment for an existing Pilonidal Sinus offers the possibility of delaying surgery. However, it is a temporary solution to prevent the inflammation from spreading further.
Non-surgical treatment can alleviate the symptoms of Pilonidal Sinus , but cannot eliminate the fistula itself. Symptom-free phases often alternate with periods of increased symptoms, such as pain and secretions. Conservative measures can help to bridge the time until surgery or improve the conditions for a later operation.
However, if there is no improvement, the abscess enlarges, or fever and severe pain occur, it is essential to consult a specialist. A specialist can determine the best treatment option, which often involves sterile opening and draining of the abscess under safe conditions. This will quickly make you pain-free.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques at a glance
There are now gentle surgical alternatives that are often less stressful and promise faster results. Minimally invasive procedures are available at Pilonidal Sinus :
- Pit picking: This involves the targeted removal of small skin openings (pits), fistula tracts and ingrown hairs without making large incisions. In this procedure, only the diseased tissue is removed while the surrounding skin remains intact.
- Sinusectomy: Sinusectomy is an effective way of excising the diseased tissue. This is done with precision and without pain.
- FiLaC/ SiLaC (Sinus Laser Ablation of the Cyst): SiLaC refers to a laser treatment in which the fistula channels are obliterated from the inside. The laser shrinks the fistula wall and promotes healing.
The minimally invasive surgical methods offer specific advantages, including
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Outpatient treatment
- Low risk of recurrence
- Aesthetic results
Let us advise you in detail and find the gentlest way to a quick cure so that you can soon go through life again without complaints.
Conventional surgical methods
Conventional surgical methods can be a good choice if conservative treatments for coccyx fistulas are not sufficient or the symptoms are too severe. The classic procedures include
- Butcher method: In this method, the Pilonidal Sinus is cut out completely, often down to the periosteum, and the wound is left open.
- Karydakis operation: Here the wound is closed laterally offset from the midline, which improves healing and reduces the risk of recurrence.
- Flap plasty: A diamond-shaped tissue flap is used to cover the wound. This technique is complex. Due to the complications, this method is often only used for special anatomical conditions.
Pilonidal Sinus Treatment - What you can do yourself to support the healing process
In addition to medical treatment, you can help to manage your Pilonidal Sinus yourself and promote healing:
- Achten Sie auf gute Hygiene: Eine regelmäßige Reinigung des betroffenen Bereichs ist entscheidend, um Entzündungen zu verhindern und die erneute Entstehung von Steißbeinfisteln zu vermeiden.
- Avoid long periods of sitting: Pressure on the coccyx can increase the discomfort. Use cushions or special seat rings to reduce the pressure.
- Keep the area hair-free: Regular hair removal helps to prevent hair from penetrating.
Fazit: Welche Steißbeinfistel Behandlung ist die Richtige für Sie?
The treatment of Pilonidal Sinus is multifaceted and offers you various ways to alleviate your symptoms. Whether conservative measures, a minimally invasive procedure or a conventional surgical technique: we carefully weigh up each method based on the findings. Let us advise you in detail to find the best treatment for your Pilonidal Sinus and restore your quality of life. Book an appointment now !
