Advanced
Laser pilonidal sinus
Surgery in Hyderabad

What is a Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC)?

Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC) is a modern, minimally invasive treatment designed to manage pilonidal sinus disease without the need for large surgical cuts. A pilonidal sinus is an infected tunnel or cavity that forms under the skin, usually near the tailbone, and can cause pain, swelling, and persistent discharge. SiLaC treats this condition from the inside using focused laser energy, offering a gentler alternative to conventional surgery.
During the procedure, the sinus tract is first carefully examined and cleaned to remove hair, debris, and infected material. An excellent laser fibre is then guided into the tract, where controlled laser energy is delivered along its length. This energy destroys the diseased inner lining of the sinus and seals the tract, allowing it to close and heal naturally while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue.
Because SiLaC avoids wide excision and stitches, it causes significantly less pain, minimal bleeding, and a lower risk of infection. Healing is faster, scarring is minimal, and most patients can return to daily activities within a short period. The procedure is typically performed as a day-care treatment, making it a safe, effective, and patient-friendly option for both first-time and recurrent cases of pilonidal sinus.

How Does Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC) Work?

Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC) works by treating the pilonidal sinus from the inside using controlled laser energy, without the need for wide surgical cuts.
First, the sinus opening and tract are carefully assessed and cleaned. Any trapped hair, debris, and infected material inside the sinus are removed to ensure the area is clear. Once the tract is prepared, a thin, flexible laser fibre is gently inserted into the sinus channel.
The laser is then activated and slowly withdrawn along the length of the tract. As the laser energy is delivered, it generates controlled heat that destroys the infected inner lining of the sinus and seals the tract walls. This process closes the sinus from within, stops ongoing infection or discharge, and promotes natural healing.
Because the laser targets only the diseased tissue and preserves surrounding healthy skin, the procedure results in minimal pain, very little bleeding, and faster recovery. The treated area gradually heals and shrinks over time, with most patients able to return to normal activities quickly and with minimal scarring.

Types of Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC)

Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation can be adapted based on the complexity, length, and recurrence of the sinus. The commonly used approaches include:

• Primary SiLaC (Simple Sinus Ablation)
  Used for first-time or uncomplicated pilonidal sinus cases. A single laser fibre is used to ablate and seal the sinus tract after thorough cleaning, offering quick healing and minimal discomfort.
• SiLaC with Sinus Curettage
  Suitable for sinuses with active infection or discharge. The tract is first cleaned and scraped to remove infected tissue and hair, followed by laser ablation to close the sinus from within.
• SiLaC for Recurrent Pilonidal Sinus
  Designed for patients who have had previous surgery or recurrence. The laser targets residual or branching sinus tracts while preserving healthy tissue and reducing the risk of further recurrence.
• SiLaC for Complex or Multiple Tracts
  Used when there are multiple openings or long, branching sinuses. Each tract is individually cleaned and treated with laser energy for comprehensive disease control.
• Combined SiLaC with Limited Surgical Cleaning
  In selected cases, a minimal surgical opening is done to access deep or complex tracts, followed by laser ablation to ensure complete closure and faster healing.

These tailored approaches allow SiLaC to be effective across a wide range of pilonidal sinus conditions while maintaining the benefits of minimal invasiveness and faster recovery.

When Should You Consider Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC)?

You should consider Laser Pilonidal Sinus Ablation (SiLaC) when pilonidal sinus symptoms persist, recur, or interfere with daily life and conservative measures are no longer effective. This minimally invasive laser technique is especially suitable in the following situations:

• Recurrent pilonidal sinus: When the condition returns after previous surgical treatment.
• Chronic discharge or infection: Ongoing pain, swelling, pus, or foul-smelling discharge near the tailbone.
• Pain or discomfort while sitting or walking: Symptoms that affect work, travel, or routine activities.
• Multiple sinus openings or branching tracts: Cases where complete internal treatment is required without wide excision.
• Desire for faster recovery: Ideal for patients seeking minimal downtime and early return to normal life.
• Concern about scars: Suitable for those who want to avoid large surgical wounds and visible scarring.
• Failure of conservative care: When antibiotics, hygiene measures, and hair removal do not provide lasting relief.

SiLaC is appropriate for both first-time and recurrent cases and offers an effective alternative to traditional surgery with less pain, fewer complications, and quicker healing.