Which Doctor To Consult For Pilonidal Sinus?

What Are The Points To Consider Before Seeking Pilonidal Sinus Treatment From A Proctologist?

Choosing the right proctologist or anorectal surgeon is vital for treating pilonidal sinus. The proctologist or the surgeon should have the desired education, skills, and experience before they can commence with the treatment for pilonidal sinus. Some of the critical things to consider before seeking treatment from a proctologist include the following-

Insist on a Specialist:

Your primary care doctor probably deals with pilonidal sinus less frequently and gives an initial diagnosis or executes a quick drainage procedure. Still, for long-term treatment, you require the expertise of a specialist.

A proctologist or an anorectal surgeon is the most suitable person to address the pilonidal sinus. These highly trained experts see pilonidal disease and other colorectal problems daily, so you can trust them to understand the situation.

In particular, look for someone who has the desired education and has met the strict training qualifications. Medical certification demonstrates that a doctor is devoted to professional excellence and possesses highly specialized knowledge.

Proper medical certification:

Before undergoing treatment from a proctologist for pilonidal sinus, ensure they have a valid medical certification. To become a proctologist, it is essential to qualify for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and get a letter of recommendation from the undergraduate school for admission into medical college. After graduation, getting a Medical Doctor or M.D. degree is also essential.

To become a certified proctologist, training sessions through fellowships and residencies are required. After completing the residency, the candidate must appear for the Medical Licensing Examination and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery before beginning to work as a proctologist.

Hence, there are three main steps needed to become a proctologist:

• Become a medical doctor.
• Gain acceptance to a proctologist training program.
• Complete the course prerequisites and pass the medical license examination.

Consider bedside manner:

For many patients, a doctor’s mannerisms, behavior, and personality are among the top criteria when selecting whom to see for treatment. Hence, when choosing a doctor for pilonidal sinus, it is crucial to consider the personality and mannerisms of the proctologist as an essential factor.

It’s important to feel that the doctor hears what you say and takes the time to examine and discuss treatment options thoroughly.

You can learn much about how a doctor deals with people by asking family or friends. Bedside manners are one of the foremost things people comment on when endorsing a doctor or advising not to see someone. Online reviews focus on a doctor’s demeanor as well. A quick scan of doctor review sites should indicate whether a doctor’s professional approach will line up with what you’re searching for in a healthcare provider. Also, set up an initial interview appointment with the doctor. When you go for the introductory visit, consider the doctor and the facility as a whole.

Skills and Experience:

Proctologists are surgeons who specialize in anal and rectal medical problems. A proctologist or anorectal surgeon should be able to diagnose and treat disorders related to the anus and rectum, including the pilonidal sinus. For a proper treatment for pilonidal sinus and to avoid any unnecessary complications in the future, ensure that the anorectal surgeon you choose has proven work experience in treating pilonidal sinus and is trained to perform various diagnostic tests and surgical procedures.

The skills and qualities a proctologist or anorectal surgeon is expected to keep are:

• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to observe and attend to details
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Compassion
• Empathy
• Ability to solve medical problems and make a correct decision
• Updated with advanced medical technology

Inquire about particular treatments:

Your appointment with your doctor is the best opportunity to learn about the preferred approaches to pilonidal sinus treatment. With the right doctor, you may find long-term healing of the pilonidal sinus without needing to undergo major surgery. Anorectal specialists rely on laser surgeries to ablate the entire sinus tract. It seals the sinus tract shut so it can no longer trap debris and hair. It is an easy and quick way to resolve pilonidal disease and doesn’t require a long recovery.

Not all proctologists or anorectal surgeons have the experience or medical tools to perform laser surgery. Therefore, if you want an effective pilonidal sinus treatment, you must ensure that you pick the right medical team.

Ability to adapt to a changing medical environment:

Adaptability is a doctor’s most helpful trait. What distinguishes an intelligent, hard-working, and compassionate burned-out doctor from a happy doctor? It is adaptability. As healthcare evolves with rapid medical developments, proctologists should be committed to learning new skills, techniques, and treatments for treating anorectal complications, including pilonidal sinus. They should be able to learn vast amounts of detailed medical courses and make practical decisions.

Reviews from previous patients:

An ideal way to understand the patient experience is from the patients themselves. Before getting any treatment, including pilonidal sinus, get reviews from the people who have had treatment from the doctor. By asking for patient feedback, from appointment scheduling and wait time to the doctor’s bedside manner, communication and organizational skills, and professionalism, you can get a complete view of the quality of care the patients are getting.

Qualifications of medical specialists who can treat pilonidal sinus

MBBS

Fellowship in gastroenterology

• MD – Colorectal surgery
• FRCS – General surgery [Colorectal]
• FRCP – Gastroenterology
• MS – General surgery
• DNB – General surgery
• Diplomate in the colon and rectal surgery
• FRCS – General surgery
• DNB – Surgical gastroenterology
• DM – Gastroenterology

Ask questions:

After knowing about the medical certification, experience, skills, and reviews about the proctologist, it is also essential to consider whether you can communicate and ask the surgeon critical questions about your medical condition. Some of the questions you should throw at yourself before finalizing the doctor to consult for treatment of pilonidal sinus are as follows:

• Can you talk about your medical history and pilonidal sinus with the doctor?
• Do you trust the doctor?
• Can you ask queries and get satisfactory answers from the doctor?
• Can the doctor explain the treatment options for pilonidal sinus to you?
• How much experience does the doctor have?
• Does the doctor provide sufficient information regarding the complications linked with the treatment?

Bottom Line

The pilonidal sinus needs instant medical attention to prevent severe infections or other complications like the risk of skin cancer and pilonidal abscess from developing. If left untreated, you are also prone to having another. Consulting a proctologist or anorectal surgeon for laser pilonidal sinus treatment is the safest way to eliminate the complication swiftly. You should visit a proctologist at the first sign of pain, discomfort, redness, or bleeding around the anal area.

If you are looking for an effective treatment for pilonidal sinus, contact Pristyn Care for best-in-class treatment. Our specialists use advanced laser technology to treat a pilonidal sinus and form a treatment plan to meet your requirements. In addition, Pristyn Care proctologists have over 8-10 years of experience curing pilonidal sinus and other anorectal diseases and performing successful laser surgeries. Furthermore, we provide free follow-up consultations and instructions, including dietary tips and exercises, to every patient to ensure a smooth recovery to their daily routines. Contact Pristyn Care for proper guidance and successful treatment.