Pilonidal sinus occurs when hair penetrates under the skin in the coccyx region (rarely the navel or axilla), causing wounds, abscesses and fistulas. It is commonly known as "kıl dönmesi" (hair turning) in Turkish.
Risk Factors
Male sex, sedentary work (prolonged sitting), excessive hairiness, deep gluteal cleft anatomy, obesity and poor personal hygiene.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling and redness in the coccyx region; discharging sinus opening; recurrent abscesses; chronic external skin opening in some patients.
Diagnosis
Made by clinical examination. MRI or ultrasound may be used in complicated cases.
Treatment Options
Minimally invasive: Phenol or silver nitrate injection, sinus opening and curettage, pit picking (Bascom I).
Surgical: Wide excision and primary/secondary closure, Karydakis flap, Limberg flap (rhomboid flap) and Bascom II cleft lift procedure are effective in reducing recurrence rates.