Pilonidal sinus

How is a pilonidal sinus treated?

• Your child's doctor will open and drain the abscess to allow it to heal.
• After the abscess has healed, surgery may need to be done that involves taking out the underlying fistula tract and the chronically infected tissues.
  • If the involvement is extensive, the wound is left open to heal.
  • If there's not a lot of tissue involved, the wound may be closed. When successful, this allows for more rapid healing and less discomfort—unfortunately it's also associated with a higher incidence of recurrent infection.

What happens after surgery?

• If the wound is left open to heal, you'll need to pack the wound one or two times a day after your child has showered or soaked in the tub.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any infection.
• Your child shouldn't do strenuous activity, exercise or lifting for four to six weeks.
• Your child shouldn't do sit for extended periods of time.
• Your child will probably have some pain. Give pain medicine as prescribed and instructed by your doctor and nurse.
• You should schedule an appointment with your surgeon in his office for one to two weeks after going home.

What if there are complications after the surgery?

Call your doctor if your child develops:

• a fever above 101.5 F
• any redness around the incision
• any drainage
• worsening pain