Kshar Sutra
For the longest time, conventional medicine has always considered surgery as the only permanent treatment for pilonidal cysts. But, now, it has been revealed that Ayurvedic treatment also works.
In Ayurvedic terms, pilonidal cysts or Nadi Vrana can be treated using a procedure called Kshar Sutra. The procedure makes use of a specially-prepared medicated gauge 20 surgical linen thread (seton) that is coated with a combination of herbal alkaline drugs, including Snuhi (Euphorbia nerufolia) latex (11 times), Apamarga (or Kshar) and (Ash of Achyranthus ascera) (7 times), and Haridra Churna (Curcuma longa) (3 times) in a particular order. Such a combination helps in the debriding and the lysis of tissues. It also exerts anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal, properties while destroying the residual glands found in the epithelium.
The procedure starts with the Ayurvedic doctor placing the Kshar Sutra inside the pilonidal sinus by passing the thread through the external opening of the skin and then tying its ends. The process is repeated for 4 to 8 weeks until all unhealthy tissues are removed and the pus is drained. The thread is then replaced every seven days.
Once the treatment is completed, Ayurvedic post-procedural care is set for 3 to 5 days. After that, running a sitz bath for three weeks is recommended, including avoiding spicy, greasy, and fast food, and consuming fruits and vegetables, even though the procedure has no side effects or associated risks.
As a treatment procedure, Kshar Sutra minimizes complications and recurrence enabling the patient to go back to work quicker with less discomfort. It allows patients to improve their self-esteem and body image at a reduced cost.
