A simple technique for successful primary closure after excision of pilonidal sinus disease

Primary closure after excision of postanal pilonidal sinus disease frequently has been complicated by wound break-downs. Healing by second intention takes many weeks and requires supervised wound care. A simple technique has been developed which has resulted in primary healing in 28 of 31 patients treated in a 5-year period. Sepsis and haematoma formation, the causes of wound breakdown after pilonidal sinus excision, have been prevented by preoperative preparation, prophylactic antibiotic administration, wound irrigation with povidone-iodine and simple skin closure over a Redivac suction drain for at least 4 days. This series suggests that primary closure can be successful using the technique described.