✦ PIT ONLY REMOVAL

Pit Picking

Q: Is pit picking as effective as wide excision?

For properly selected simple primary sinuses, pit picking achieves 60-80% success. For complex, multi-pit, or extensive disease, wide excision with flap reconstruction provides better long-term outcomes.

Q: Can I have pit picking under local anaesthesia?

Yes - pit picking is specifically designed for local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. This is one of its key advantages over other pilonidal operations requiring general or spinal anaesthesia.

Q: Is the pilonidal sinus laser treatment cost in Hyderabad comparable to pit picking?

Pit picking is one of the most cost-effective pilonidal sinus procedures available. EPSiT (endoscopic/laser approach) costs slightly more due to specialised equipment. Both are discussed transparently at consultation.

Q: Is pit picking for pilonidal sinus available at Lux Hospitals?

Yes - Dr. Samhitha Reddy offers pit picking at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for appropriately selected pilonidal sinus cases.

A minimally invasive procedure that removes only the midline sinus pits under local anaesthesia - tiny wounds, very fast recovery, and minimal tissue disruption for selected uncomplicated primary pilonidal sinuses.

Local ANAESTHESIA ONLY

5-7 Days RETURN TO WORK

Minimal TISSUE DISRUPTION

Selected PRIMARY CASES

What is Pit Picking?

Pit Picking removes only the midline pit openings under local anaesthesia using a small circular punch or scalpel. Hair and debris are curetted from the subcutaneous cavity through the pit openings. A small lateral drainage incision may be made if a chronic sinus is present. The procedure is the least invasive of all pilonidal options with the fastest recovery. Dr. Samhitha Reddy offers pit picking at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for selected primary, uncomplicated pilonidal sinuses without extensive subcutaneous disease. As part of the best treatment for pilonidal sinus in Hyderabad menu, it suits patients seeking a near-scarless, rapid recovery solution - with return to work in 5-7 days compared to weeks for open excision.

Pit picking is appropriate only for primary pilonidal sinuses with limited subcutaneous extension and no active abscess. For complex, extensive, or recurrent disease, flap procedures achieve better long-term outcomes.

How the Procedure Works

Assessment of Extent

The extent of subcutaneous disease is assessed clinically. Pit picking is selected when pits are limited and the subcutaneous cavity is accessible through the pit openings.

Local Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic is infiltrated around each pit opening and the subcutaneous cavity. Procedure performed in the prone or lateral position.

Pit Excision

Each midline pit opening is excised with a small (3-5 mm) punch biopsy tool or scalpel - removing the pit epithelium completely.

Cavity Debridement

Hair, debris, and granulation tissue are removed from the subcutaneous cavity through the pit openings by careful curettage.

Wound Dressing

Tiny pit excision wounds are dressed with simple dressings. Patients discharged immediately. Return to work in 5-7 days. Laser hair removal advised from 4 weeks.

Outcomes

LocalANAESTHESIA ONLY

5-7 DaysRETURN TO WORK

MinimalTISSUE DISRUPTION

SelectedPRIMARY CASES

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Minimal tissue disruption - tiny wounds, no large excision
→Local anaesthesia only - no general anaesthesia or spinal block
→Return to work within 5-7 days - fastest recovery of any pilonidal procedure
→No flap complications - straightforward wound healing
→Can be repeated if initial treatment does not achieve complete closure
→Available as an outpatient procedure at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Pit picking is a beautifully minimalist approach to pilonidal sinus - targeting the problem at its origin point with tiny wounds and maximum preservation of normal tissue. For well-selected primary cases, it provides excellent results with truly remarkable recovery.

— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Is pit picking as effective as wide excision?+

Can I have pit picking under local anaesthesia?+

Is the pilonidal sinus laser treatment cost in Hyderabad comparable to pit picking?+

Is pit picking for pilonidal sinus available at Lux Hospitals?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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