Pilonidal Sinus Surgery in Limassol, Cyprus
A pilonidal sinus (pilonidal cyst) is a small tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttock crease that can become painful and infected. For recurrent or complex disease, surgical excision offers a definitive treatment. Dr. Koulouteris performs pilonidal sinus surgery as well as a minimally invasive laser option (SiLaC®), advising which approach best suits your case.
- Technique
- Surgical excision of the sinus, with open or closed healing depending on the case
- Anaesthesia
- General or regional anaesthesia, or sedation
- Procedure time
- Approx. 30–60 minutes, depending on the extent
- Hospital stay
- Day-case or a short stay, depending on the case
- Return to routine
- Varies with the technique and wound — typically a few weeks
- Private or through GESY
- These operations are covered both within GESY and privately and/or through insurance funds.
What is a pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus (pilonidal cyst) is a small cavity or tunnel under the skin, usually at the top of the cleft between the buttocks. It often contains hair and debris, and can become inflamed or infected, sometimes forming a painful abscess.
Pilonidal sinus disease is most common in young adults and is more frequent in men. It does not reliably resolve on its own and often recurs once it has caused symptoms. Surgical excision removes the sinus tract and is well established for recurrent or more complex disease. Dr. Koulouteris also offers a minimally invasive laser alternative (SiLaC®) and will advise which option is right for you.
Signs & symptoms of a pilonidal sinus
A pilonidal sinus can stay silent for a long time and then flare up. Watch for:
- A small pit, opening or dimple at the top of the buttock cleft
- Pain, swelling or tenderness in the area, especially when sitting
- Redness and warmth of the overlying skin
- Discharge of pus or blood, sometimes with an unpleasant odour
- A recurring lump or abscess in the same spot
- Visible hair protruding from a skin opening
When to seek prompt care
If the area becomes acutely painful, swollen and hot, or you develop a fever, an abscess may have formed and needs prompt attention. Early assessment helps avoid repeated infections and more extensive treatment later.
How pilonidal sinus surgery works
Surgical treatment removes the sinus tract and the affected tissue. Depending on the size and whether infection is present, the wound may be left open to heal gradually, or closed — sometimes with a flap technique that moves the scar away from the midline to lower the chance of recurrence. Dr. Koulouteris will explain which approach suits your case.
- 01
Consultation & assessment
A clinical examination confirms the sinus and how far it extends. The technique and any preparation are discussed and agreed with you.
- 02
Anaesthesia
The operation is carried out under general or regional anaesthesia.
- 03
Excision
The sinus tract and affected tissue are removed. The wound is then either left open to heal from the base, or closed — sometimes using a flap technique to keep the scar off the midline.
- 04
Recovery room
You are monitored after surgery and, for a day-case operation, usually return home the same day with clear wound-care instructions.
What to know before your surgery
- 01Keeping the area clean and the hair trimmed or removed beforehand can help — the Doctor will advise.
- 02Tell the Doctor about all medication you take — some blood-thinning medicines may need to be paused.
- 03Arrange for someone to drive you home, particularly if sedation or general anaesthesia is used.
- 04If the sinus is acutely infected, treatment may be staged — an abscess is often drained first.
What recovery looks like
Recovery depends on whether the wound was closed or left open to heal. Open wounds need regular dressing changes and take longer to heal fully, while closed wounds heal faster but need protection. The timeline below is a general guide.
Day 1–7
Some soreness is normal and managed with pain relief. You will be shown how to keep the area clean, and prolonged sitting on hard surfaces is best avoided.
Week 1–2
Many people return to desk-based work, depending on the wound and the type of repair. Wound care and dressing changes continue as advised.
Weeks 2–6
The wound continues to heal. Open wounds heal gradually from the base. Follow-up appointments confirm healing is progressing well.
Beyond 6 weeks
Most patients are back to full activity. Keeping the area clean and hair-free helps prevent recurrence.
Contact the clinic if you notice
- •Increasing pain, redness or swelling around the wound
- •Fever, or discharge of pus from the area
- •A returning lump or abscess at the site
- •Bleeding that does not settle
Frequently asked questions
Surgical excision removes the sinus tract and is well established for recurrent or complex disease, but the wound — especially when left open — can take weeks to heal. SiLaC® laser closes the tract from within through a small opening, generally meaning less pain, a smaller wound and a faster recovery. The right choice depends on the size and complexity of the sinus and your circumstances.
Discuss pilonidal sinus treatment with Dr. Koulouteris
A pilonidal sinus rarely settles on its own. Book a consultation for a clear assessment and a treatment plan — surgical or minimally invasive — suited to you.
This information is reviewed by Dr. Eleftherios Koulouteris, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon. It is for general guidance only and does not replace a personal medical consultation.