The UK’s number 1 resource for the pilonidal sinus
The UK’s number 1 resource for the pilonidal sinus
Pilonidal Sinus and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy(article 7/7) 
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) is a lesser-known form of treatment for pilonidal sinus disease. However with a 60% success rate and few adverse affects or risks, it should by no means be overlooked. 
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by providing wounds with the oxygen needed to stimulate and encourage healing. Especially
useful for those with non-healing wounds, the treatment is delivered whilst in a pressurised chamber. The chamber is
designed to take the patient down to a pressure equivalent of approximately 45 feet below sea level. This will often last
for a period of 90 to 120 minutes each day. This, coupled with the patient wearing an oxygen mask during 'the dive', will
create an environment which promotes the red blood cells around the pilonidal wound to repair the damaged tissue. The therapy
typically lasts for a total of 8 weeks. The therapy is particularly beneficial for those with low oxygen levels and it has
the additional advantage of fighting bacterial infection.
The actual experience of having hyperbaric oxygen therapy is frequently untroublesome. One will usually need to 'pop' their
ears, much like when flying, at the beginning and end of the session. Often the biggest problem of all will be that of
preventing boredom. If the chamber is large enough, the patient will likely be accompanied by others also having the
treatment. Although no electronic devices will be permitted due to the pressurised environment, one will be able to take
books or magazines inside to read.
The therapy is provided by the NHS at their discretion while it is also provided by various charities around the country. Often the treatment is given to those with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) so it may be advertised as such. One such charity (pictured) is the West Yorkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre which is based in Rawdon, Leeds. They charge £10 per session.
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