A systematic review of classification systems for pilonidal sinus.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Surgical Pathology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by hair in the natal cleft.
• Current treatment options for PSD are varied and lack comparative data.
• A universally adopted classification system for PSD is absent, complicating treatment evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on how pilonidal sinus disease presentations are classified.
• To identify existing classification systems for PSD and assess their reporting.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of English-language literature published after 1980 was conducted.
• Searched for studies reporting on the classification of pilonidal sinus disease.

Main Results:

• Eight distinct classification systems for PSD were identified in the literature.
• Most systems were based on anatomical pathology, primarily using sinus location and number.
• No studies assessed the validity or reliability of these classification systems, nor correlated them with prognosis.

Conclusions:

• The current literature provides insufficient evidence to recommend any specific classification system for PSD.
• There is a clear need for a well-recognized and practical classification system to standardize reporting and guide clinical management of PSD.