What is Pilonidal Sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel or pocket in the skin near the top of the buttock crease. It often contains hair and can get infected, causing pain and discharge.
Antibiotics may calm an infection, but the sinus usually returns. Surgery cleans and closes the tract. Laser treatment does this through small openings, which usually heal faster.
Symptoms of Pilonidal Sinus
- Pain or swelling at the top of the buttock crease
- Pus or blood-stained discharge
- Small pits or openings in the skin
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Redness and tenderness
- Fever when an abscess forms
Noticing these symptoms? Talk to a surgeon for free.
Talk to an expertCauses and risk factors
- Loose hair pushed into the skin
- Sitting for long hours, such as desk work or driving
- Thick or coarse body hair
- Excess sweating and friction in the area
- Being overweight
How it is diagnosed
- Physical examination of the area
- Assessment of the number and depth of openings
- Ultrasound in selected cases
- Blood tests if an infection is present
Laser pilonidal sinus ablation: what to expect
- 1
Before surgery
Any active infection is treated first. Your surgeon examines the tract and routine tests are done.
- 2
During surgery
Hair and debris are cleared, and a laser probe seals the tract from inside through small openings.
- 3
Anaesthesia and duration
Usually done under local or spinal anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes.
- 4
After surgery
Most patients go home the same day with dressing instructions and advice on hair removal in the area.
Benefits of the modern approach
- Small openings instead of a large open wound
- Usually less pain and fewer dressings
- Usually same-day discharge
- Quicker return to sitting and work
Pilonidal Sinus surgery cost in Delhi NCR
The cost depends on the procedure chosen, the hospital, the room category, anaesthesia, tests and medicines, and your insurance cover. Your TaCa Dost shares the full package upfront, before you decide.
Insurance
We check your policy and handle the cashless paperwork.
Insurance helpEMI options*
Pay in easy monthly instalments, subject to lender approval.
EMI detailsTaCa Possibilities Card
Members pay Ayushman package rates at partner hospitals.
See the cardRecovery
- Hospital stay
- Usually same day
- Procedure time
- 30-45 minutes
- Back to routine
- 3-5 days
Recovery tips
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Remove hair in the area as your surgeon advises
- Avoid sitting for long periods in the first weeks
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
Pilonidal sinus can recur, especially if hair is not managed, and wound infection is possible; your surgeon will explain these risks and how to lower them.
Why choose TaCa in Delhi NCR?
- Free surgeon consultationTalk to an experienced surgeon before you decide.
- Dedicated TaCa DostOne case manager from first call to follow-up.
- Insurance paperwork handledPre-authorisation, documents and claim filing.
- EMI options*Spread the cost into easy monthly payments.
- Short-stay surgeryMinimally invasive care; many patients go home the same or next day.
Our surgeons
VerifiedDr Nilesh Dehariya
MBBS, MS (General Surgeon)
VerifiedDr Abhay Singhal
MBBS, MS (General Surgeon)
VerifiedDr Chandrakant Kar
MBBS, MS, MCh (Urologist)
Pilonidal Sinus: frequently asked questions
What does pilonidal sinus surgery cost?
Cost depends on the city, hospital category, room type, surgical technique, tests needed and your insurance cover. Your TaCa Dost shares a clear estimate after the surgeon’s consultation, and EMI options are available.
Is pilonidal sinus surgery covered by insurance?
Most health insurance policies cover medically necessary surgery, subject to policy terms and waiting periods. Your TaCa Dost checks your eligibility and handles the cashless or reimbursement paperwork for you.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to work in 3-5 days. Complete healing usually takes a few weeks, depending on the size of the sinus.
Is laser pilonidal surgery painful?
Anaesthesia keeps you comfortable during the procedure. Mild soreness afterwards is common and usually settles with medicines.
Can pilonidal sinus come back?
It can recur. Keeping the area clean, managing hair and avoiding long sitting lower the chance of it coming back.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have pain, swelling or discharge near the tailbone, or a lump there that keeps getting infected.
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Your surgeon will advise on the right treatment for you. Content reviewed by the TaCa clinical team.