Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease: sinotomy versus excisional surgery, a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Procedures
• Pilonidal Disease Treatment

Background:

• Pilonidal disease affects young individuals with unknown etiology.
• Current treatment options for pilonidal disease have variable recurrence rates, indicating a lack of an optimal method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare sinotomy (laying the sinus open) with radical surgery (excision of sinus-bearing tissues) for pilonidal disease.
• To evaluate recurrence rates and hospital stay for different surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 81 patients with pilonidal sinus or abscess treated between April 1999 and January 2005.
• Data collected included patient characteristics, disease process, and surgical procedures performed.
• Post-operative recurrence was assessed via phone contact, with emphasis on hair removal compliance.

Main Results:

• The overall recurrence rate was 26.9% with a mean hospital stay of 4.1 days.
• Sinotomy demonstrated a low recurrence rate of 12.5% and a shorter hospital stay of 2.8 days.
• Various procedures included incision and drainage, excision with primary closure, open excision, sinotomy, and rhomboid flap.

Conclusions:

• Sinotomy offers advantages of simplicity and the potential for local anesthesia.
• With an acceptable recurrence rate, sinotomy is recommended for both primary and recurrent pilonidal sinus and abscess cases.