Minimally invasive laser-assisted treatment for pilonidal sinus disease — same-day procedure with faster healing and lower recurrence than traditional excision.
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or channel in the skin at the top of the cleft between the buttocks, known as the natal cleft. It typically contains loose hairs and debris that have been pushed beneath the skin surface by friction and pressure. These tracts become infected repeatedly, forming painful abscesses that discharge pus. Without definitive treatment, the cycle of infection, drainage and recurrence continues for years.
The condition most commonly affects young men between the ages of 15 and 35, particularly those with coarse body hair, a deep natal cleft or jobs involving prolonged sitting. Obesity and poor natal cleft hygiene are contributing factors. Once established, pilonidal sinus does not resolve on its own — surgical treatment is necessary to eliminate the tract permanently.
Traditional surgery involves cutting out the entire sinus and leaving a large open wound that takes 6 to 12 weeks to heal. This is painful, requires daily wound dressings and forces most patients off work for weeks. SiLaC (Sinus Laser Closure) destroys the sinus tract from within using a laser probe, leaving only a tiny external puncture. Recovery takes days rather than weeks, recurrence rates are lower, and patients go home the same day.
Book a consultation with Dr. Prashanth J V today.
Book Consultation 📞 +91 93533 16175The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes under spinal or general anaesthesia. Any active infection or abscess must be treated and fully resolved before the laser procedure is performed on the residual sinus tract.
Spinal or general anaesthesia is administered. The patient is positioned prone (face down) to give clear access to the natal cleft. The area is cleaned and sterile drapes placed.
A probe is passed into the sinus to map its full extent. Any secondary tracts or pits are identified and marked. The internal anatomy is confirmed before laser treatment begins.
The sinus tract is curetted to remove any hair, debris and granulation tissue. This prepares the tract walls for effective laser ablation and significantly improves closure rates.
A radially emitting laser probe is introduced into the tract. As it is slowly withdrawn, laser energy destroys the sinus lining from within, causing the tract to collapse and seal permanently. Secondary tracts are treated in the same way.
The small external openings are closed with a single absorbable suture or left as tiny punctures. A simple dressing is applied. Most patients go home within 4 to 6 hours.
Home the same day. Mild soreness at the treatment site is normal. Take prescribed analgesics. Keep the area clean. Avoid prolonged sitting for the first 48 hours.
Return to desk work within 3 to 5 days. Some mild discharge from the treated area during the first week is normal as the tract heals from within. Keep clean with gentle washing.
The external openings close progressively. Discharge reduces significantly. Resume normal activity including light exercise. Continue keeping the natal cleft hair-free.
Complete healing in most cases. A follow-up confirms closure. Long-term natal cleft hair removal — regular shaving or laser hair removal — is strongly recommended to prevent recurrence.
SiLaC laser treatment avoids the large open excision wound that makes conventional pilonidal surgery so prolonged and painful. Tiny punctures heal in days, not months.
Extensive experience treating first-time and recurrent pilonidal sinus, including complex multi-tract cases that have failed previous conventional surgery.
No prolonged hospital stay or daily wound dressing appointments. Go home the same day and return to desk work within 3 to 5 days.
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