Surgical Wounds

Pilonidal Sinus

What is a Pilonidal Sinus?

A pilonidal sinus is an infected hair follicle, or blockage of a follical opening. It occurs under the skin between the buttocks (the natal cleft) a short distance above the anus. A hair growth or loose hair in the area between the buttocks usually causes this.

More information is available from the NHS conditions website here. 

NICE Quality Standard - SSI

NICE published Quality Standard 49 on Surgical Site Infection in October 2013.

NICE quality standards describe high-priority areas for quality improvement in a defined care or service area. Each standard consists of a prioritised set of specific, concise and measurable statements. They draw on existing guidance, which provides an underpinning, comprehensive set of recommendations, and are designed to support the measurement of improvement.

This quality standard covers the prevention and treatment of surgical site infection for adults, children and young people undergoing surgical incisions through the skin, in all healthcare settings. A copy of the standard is here, and the website link is here.

Wounds Canada have published a range of best practice guidelines, and have produced one on the prevention and management of surgical wound complications. Click here for a copy. Head to the Wounds Canada website for more information.