SiLaC® Laser Pilonidal Sinus Treatment 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. Dr. Koulouteris treats this condition with the SiLaC® method, a minimally invasive laser technique that closes the sinus with no large wound and a quick recovery.
- Technique
- SiLaC® — Sinus Laser Closure (minimally invasive)
- Anaesthesia
- Local or regional anaesthesia, or sedation
- Procedure time
- Approx. 15–30 minutes
- Hospital stay
- Day-case — home 1–2 hours after the procedure
- Return to routine
- Often within a few days, sometimes the next day
- 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. SiLaC® laser treatment offers a modern, minimally invasive alternative to traditional wide excision — closing the sinus through a small entry point rather than a large open wound.
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 SiLaC laser treatment works
SiLaC® (Sinus Laser Closure) treats a pilonidal sinus by cleaning the tract and then sealing it from within using controlled laser energy. Because there is no large excision, most patients have only a small wound, less pain and a faster return to normal life than with traditional surgery.
- 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 treatment is carried out under local or regional anaesthesia, or sedation.
- 03
Laser closure
The tract is cleaned of hair and debris, then a fine laser fibre delivers energy that destroys the tract lining and closes it from within, through a small opening.
- 04
Recovery room
You are monitored briefly in the recovery area until you are transferred to the surgical ward.
What to know before your treatment
- 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 after SiLaC® is usually quick and the wound is small. The timeline below is a general guide — your individual recovery depends on the size of the sinus and whether infection was present.
Day 1–2
Mild soreness around the small wound is normal and managed with simple pain relief. Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces is best avoided.
Week 1
Most people return to everyday activities and desk-based work. Keep the area clean and dry as advised.
Weeks 2–4
The small wound continues to heal. A follow-up appointment confirms healing is progressing well.
Beyond 4 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
The treatment is carried out under anaesthesia, so you feel nothing during it. Because there is no large excision, most patients have only mild discomfort afterwards, managed with simple pain relief.
Discuss pilonidal sinus treatment with Dr. Koulouteris
A pilonidal sinus rarely settles on its own. Book a consultation for a clear assessment and a minimally invasive treatment plan 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.