Pilonidal Sinus

What is Pilonidal Sinus?

An excision of a Pilonidal Sinus is the removal of a sinus (track) between the buttocks. The wound is left open and may take 2-3 weeks or longer to heal.

Anaesthetic

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.

What are the risks of this specific procedure?

There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks:

• The wound may need to be left open and packed regularly until it heals and this could be several weeks.
• The wound, if sutured, may break open and discharge blood or infected material. This may need further surgery.
• The wound may heal with a thick scar, which may be discolored and painful. This may be permanent.
• The sinus problem may recur. This may need further surgery.