Long-term analysis of surgical treatment outcomes in chronic pilonidal sinus disease

Abstract Background/purpose Chronic pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is relatively common in adolescents and can be treated by various surgical techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome in adolescents surgically treated for PSD in a single clinic. Methods PSD patients surgically treated over an 8-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Classical midline incision and excision with primary repair was performed in all. Regular follow up visits were scheduled. Evaluation of postoperative outpatient clinic records as well as telephone interviews for patients who were operated more than 6months ago were done for the long-term results, including coherence to regional hair care. Results There were 268 patients with a median age of 16years; 146 (54%) were males, and 122 (46%) were females. Outpatient follow up records were available for 249 (92.9%) patients with a median of postoperative 3months (7days–49months). Moreover, 114 (42.5% of total) patients were interviewed by telephone 6–63 (median 25) months after the surgery. In 36 (13.4%) patients, wound infection or dehiscence occurred within the first month of surgery and was treated by secondary healing. Recurrences were observed in 21 (7.8%) patients all having poor local hygiene. Laser epilation was employed in 32 (28%) patients, and none of these had recurrences. Conclusions Classical midline incision and primary closure approach for surgical treatment of PSD in adolescents has similar results to adults. Postoperative hair removal seems to reduce recurrences. Type of study Treatment study. Level of evidence Level IV (Retrospective case series with no comparison group).