EPSiT (Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment) is a minimally invasive procedure involving the use of a fistuloscope to allow your consultant to assess pilonidal sinus. The fistuloscope also allows the introduction of operative instruments to help with either symptom control or to achieve healing of the pilonidal sinus.
How is the EPSiT procedure carried out?
The first stage of the procedure is to help your consultant diagnose and assess the pilonidal sinus. This is followed by the treatment stage. Both these stages are carried out during the same operation. During treatment the pilonidal sinus is cleaned out and the lining of the sinus track is cauterised with the intention of prompting healing. Any secondary branches or extensions of the pilonidal sinus can be treated in a similar way.
What happens post my EPSiT surgery?
Although your EPSiT procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, your consultant will administer local anaesthetic during surgery so that in the immediate postoperative period you will have very little in the way of pain. When the local anaesthetic wears off, pain levels will be very minimal and most patients require only simple painkillers for 24-48 hours.
In a more complex setting, your wounds are left open to drain the abscess. These wounds are packed and the packing must be on as directed by your consultant.
Wound care
Following your operation, we will instruct you on how to keep your wound clean. This can be done by washing the area, either in the shower or bath, once or twice a day.
After your wound packing is removed, you will be advised to gently clean the wound while in the bath or the shower using your hand, and apply a simple absorbent dressing over the wounds.
If you do notice any changes in the site or a wound infection, please contact our nursing team to get this assessed.
