Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment Combined With Crystalized Phenol Application May Prevent Recurrence

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation in proctology and minimally invasive procedures.
• Pilonidal disease management and treatment outcomes.

Background:

• Pilonidal disease lacks a single, optimal treatment with rapid healing, good aesthetics, and low recurrence.
• Existing treatments like phenol application and endoscopic diathermy have limitations.
• This study introduces a novel combination of phenol crystals and endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined crystalized phenol treatment and endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment.
• To assess short- and long-term outcomes, including healing rates and recurrence.
• To determine the tolerability and complication profile of the combined approach.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 23 patients with pilonidal disease.
• Procedures performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
• Combined video-assisted diathermy ablation and phenol crystal application in the sinus cavity.

Main Results:

• All patients were discharged same-day with minimal postoperative pain.
• Mean operative time was 20.43 minutes; return to work averaged 3.03 days.
• Follow-up of 18-24 months showed no serious complications, rehospitalization, primary healing failure, or recurrence.

Conclusions:

• The combined treatment is safe, well-tolerated, and effective for pilonidal disease.
• Achieved rapid and durable healing with no recurrence over a mean follow-up of 22 months.
• Limitations include a small sample size and lack of a control group.