✦ MINIMALLY INVASIVE PILONIDAL CARE

Pit Picking

Q: Is pit picking suitable for everyone?

It is best for early or limited pilonidal disease with small pits and minimal underlying tract. Extensive or recurrent disease is better treated with definitive flap techniques.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is well-tolerated. Most patients feel only mild pressure during, with very little pain afterwards.

Q: How quickly will I recover?

Most patients return to office work in 1–2 days and resume normal activities within a week. Sitz baths and gentle hygiene support smooth healing.

Q: What if pit picking does not work?

If disease persists or recurs, all other treatment options remain fully available — pit picking does not burn any bridges. Many patients try this minimally invasive option first before considering more extensive surgery.

Minimally invasive office procedure where the small pit openings are removed and the underlying cavity is cleaned — quick, simple, with very fast recovery in early disease.

20–30 min PROCEDURE

Office Procedure SETTING

>75% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Days RETURN TO WORK

What is Pit Picking?

Pit Picking is a minimally invasive, office-based technique for early or limited pilonidal sinus disease. The small pit openings (where hair enters the skin) are individually removed using small punch excisions, and any small lateral abscess is drained through a separate side opening. The technique is gentle, leaves only tiny wounds, and has remarkably fast recovery — most patients return to work within 1–2 days. Dr. Tejasree Vengala, a sensitive female proctologist in Hyderabad, performs pit picking at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, in carefully selected early or limited cases.

Suitable for patients with early or limited pilonidal disease, those with discrete small pits and minimal underlying tract, or those wanting a minimally invasive option as a first-line treatment.

How the Procedure Works

Local Anaesthesia

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia in the office. The pit openings are carefully identified.

Pit Excision

Each small pit is removed individually using a tiny punch biopsy, leaving very small wounds.

Lateral Drainage

Any underlying abscess or cavity is drained through a small lateral incision, keeping the midline pits clean.

Hair Removal & Cleaning

Trapped hair and debris are gently removed from the underlying cavity, which is then irrigated thoroughly.

Dressing & Discharge

Simple dressings are applied. Patients return home immediately and resume light activity the same day.

Outcomes

20–30 minDURATION

OfficeSETTING

>75%SUCCESS RATE

2–3 WeeksFULL HEALING

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Office procedure under local anaesthesia
→Tiny wounds — no formal cuts
→Same-day return home with light activity
→Return to office work in 1–2 days
→Excellent option for early or limited disease
→All other treatments remain available if needed

Pit picking is wonderfully simple — for the right patient with early disease, we treat exactly what is causing the problem and nothing more. Tiny wounds, fast recovery, and a real chance of cure without committing to a major operation.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pit picking suitable for everyone?+

Is the procedure painful?+

How quickly will I recover?+

What if pit picking does not work?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tejasree Vengala and get a personalised treatment plan.

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