Patient Reported Outcomes in Pilonidal Disease – results of a patient survey

Introduction: Pilonidal disease continues to frustrate the patient and surgeon. Choosing between the multitudes of surgical options is hampered by the lack of an accepted classification, paucity of long term follow up and absence of a validated tool for assessing Patient Reported Outcomes. Methods: Existing colorectal literature was used to develop a novel list of Patient Reported Outcomes. Patients with pilonidal disease were asked to fill in the questionnaire over a 2 week period. Results: A survey consisting of 12 Patient Reported Outcomes was filled in by 12 patients. 58% (N = 7) patients had Tezel Type 3 pilonidal disease and 17% (N = 2) had recurrent disease. Being recurrence free was ranked as the most important outcome measure. Having no surgical complications and being able to return to work were also important. Scar appearance was important to only one patient. Conclusion: The surgical treatment of pilonidal disease is hampered by early wound complications and disease recurrence. Patients rank disease recurrence as the most important outcome measure.