Pilonidal sinus (PNS), also known as nadi vrana in Ayurveda, is a condition characterized by the formation of a boil near the tailbone. When a person is affected by pilonidal sinus, they may experience swelling, redness in the affected area, as well as the presence of foul-smelling pus and bloody discharge. This condition is more frequently observed in young males aged between 15 to 30 years. The root cause of pilonidal sinus lies in the infection of hair follicles and the inward growth of hair. It tends to affect individuals with thick and coarse hair on their back, deep natal cleft, obese individuals, those who engage in prolonged sitting, have experienced trauma to the tailbone region, or wear tight clothing. To confirm a diagnosis of pilonidal sinus, a physician typically performs a physical examination and may sometimes recommend an MRI scan of the affected region.
When a patient is diagnosed with a pilonidal sinus, the most common course of action is surgery. There are several types of surgical procedures that can be used to treat a pilonidal sinus. One option is wide excision, where the pilonidal cyst and sinus are removed and left open to heal. Another choice is excision with closure, where both the cyst and sinus are excised, and the resulting wound is closed with sutures. Additionally, there is the Excision and Z flap technique, which involves closing the wound with a flap after the excision. LASER surgery is another option, where the sinus tract is treated with a LASER beam. Despite the skill of the surgeon, pilonidal sinus surgery can have a high rate of recurrence.
In the realm of Ayurveda, kshar sutra emerges as a promising para surgical method for treating pilonidal sinus, yielding impressive results. This technique involves the use of a medicated thread, which is carefully inserted into the sinus tract with a malleable probe, forming a loop by tying both ends. The thread facilitates drainage, debridement, and healing simultaneously, owing to its medicinal properties. The kshar sutra is replaced with a new thread weekly until complete healing is achieved.
The advantages of kshar sutra over surgery are manifold. It boasts a higher success rate, can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home immediately post-treatment. The approach eliminates the necessity for bed rest, enables individuals to resume work without delay, and obviates the need for daily dressings and antibiotics. Moreover, the recovery phase is characterized by minimal discomfort, with pain being easily managed without frequent recourse to painkillers. Notably, this method is cost-effective, making it a pragmatic choice for many.
Arogyam Piles Clinic and Research Center in Chandigarh specializes in the non-surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus using the advanced kshar sutra technique. Our team of expert doctors dedicated to managing pilonidal sinus is committed to delivering authentic, research-based treatments to our patients. If you or someone you know is grappling with pilonidal sinus, consider scheduling an appointment with our Ayurvedic Piles Specialist Doctors in Chandigarh for effective relief.
