Out of many treatment options for pilonidal sinus, Kshar Sutra Therapy is the most preferred because of high success rates, no complications and very low recurrences. A lot of patients are getting cured through this ayurvedic para-surgical technique from around the globe. Here we try to give an overview about this treatment for pilonidal sinus.
You are made to lie on your stomach and affected area is cleaned using medicated solutions. Surrounding hair are being shaved. Proper anaesthesia is given to make the area numb. Most of the times a local anaesthesia is sufficient. In complicated cases, your doctor may suggest you to choose for general anaesthesia.
After proper anaesthesia, sinus track and the branches are carefully explored using specially designed probes. This helps in assessing the extent of pilonidal sinus track.
A pilonidal sinus contains a lot of hair that need to be removed. All the hair is removed manually using suitable instruments. Any left-out hair will spontaneously come out gradually during the treatment course.
Track walls are cleaned using medicated solutions and herbal pastes (kshar paste) to ensure adequate infection removal and wound cleaning.
As per the requirement, one or more kshar sutra is put in the track/tracks. This thread is medicated and helps in herbal cauterisation of the track. This is followed by a wound dressing.
Medicines on the thread fades away within 3-4 days and the thread becomes inactive. This old kshar sutra is replaced by a fresh Kshar Sutra every week. Number of weeks depend upon the length and depth of track.
Post Therapy medicine coverage
First 2-3 weeks
3rd week onwards
4th week onwards
after 5-10 weeks
After cut through of Kshar Sutra
*Approximate durations. May differ in different patients.
This is not a painless treatment. You should expect some discomfort during the treatment duration. You’ll be able to do all your daily routine work without any problem. Keeping a dressing pad on the affected region would help in preventing pain caused by pressure.
Yes, you’ll be advised to take a few herbal medicines to let the wound heal properly. You may need medicinal support for any other medical condition e.g., diabetes, hypertension etc. Regular dressings can be easily managed by the patient himself.
It varies in different individuals and depends on many factors. Many patients take 5-6 weeks while a few may take more than 15 weeks for complete recovery. Ask your consulting doctor about it. Always remember that slow healing of the wound is better for the future as it minimizes the chances of recurrence.
Sitz bath is considered to be an essential part of the pilonidal sinus treatment as it helps in maintaining hygiene and prevents infection. Do not neglect this important post-therapy instruction, if you want to stay away from pilonidal sinus.
Kshar Sutra Therapy is the most recommended treatment in Pilonidal Sinus because –
Although the recurrence rate after Kshar Sutra Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus is very less, still there are always some chances. The most important measure to prevent recurrence of pilonidal disease is regular shaving or removal of hair from the buttock cleft area and keeping it free of hair for 6-12 months after the wound is healed. To reduce the chances of recurrence everyone should follow following measures:
