Plastic surgeons at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow recently conducted laser surgery for pilonidal sinus in a day-care procedure, a highly successful move that is paving ways for quicker recovery and permanent solutions. Pilonidal sinus, a common affliction in which a small hole or tunnel develops in the skin near the top of the posterior, is usually accompanied by pus formation and discharge near the anus.
First seen in the late 1800s among US soldiers during a military campaign, the condition is estimated to affect 26 people out of a population of a lakh. Generally seen among men with excess hair growth on the back, pilonidal sinus is known to be associated with factors such as family history, overweight/obesity, trauma or irritation, sedentary lifestyle or occupation, body hair density, and poor hygiene.
The traditional approach to tackling pilonidal sinus has usually been surgical intervention followed by abscess management, while medical practitioners at SGPGIMS took to laser procedure to bring about a positive change. During this minimally invasive procedure, the entire sinus tract is zeroed in and eliminated using a single beam of carbon dioxide laser. This method requires no cuts or stitches, no hospital stay and is marked by quick recovery and a low risk of infection or recurrence of cysts.
SGPGIMS has a long standing history of providing medical relief and has since its beginning provided medical research and allied infrastructure for patient care. Its one of the premier institutes of the nation catering to several specialties of healthcare, and this success story of pilonidal sinus residency is a prime illustration of its commitment to patient care.
Prof. Rajeev Agarwal, the Head of Plastic Surgery Department at the institute, spearheaded the successful laser surgery for the resident. With a number of innovative and cutting edge procedures used to combat the risky ailment, Prof Agarwal’s team entailed the use of technologically advanced instruments and programming for the task. This is yet another example of Prof Rajeev Agarwal’s expertise in tailoring and designing patient-centric treatments with an emphasis on quick and efficient recovery.
