[Complications after surgery for pilonidal cyst. An introduction to a new debate on a "costly" disease]

The frequency of wound complications following operation for pilonidal disease in our department was compared with results from the literature. The case-records of 88 consecutive patients operated for 100 sinuses (12 recurrences), were evaluated retrospectively, supplemented by a questionnaire. Wound healing problems occurred in 69% of the sutured sinuses. Length of hospitalization was two days in uncomplicated, five days in complicated, and eight days in open treated cases. Convalescence (days off work) took 25 days, 41 days and 26 days, respectively. There was no correlation between previous history of pilonidal disease, wound healing complications, and outcome (recurrence frequency). Relapses occurred in 18%. In conclusion, the closure of pilonidal sinuses had a high frequency of wound healing complications and recurrences.