Effect of propolis on wound healing in sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Wound healing and recurrence are the leading problems encountered in sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease. Propolis has a place in both traditional and complementary medicine, and in vitro and in vivo studies have reported its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immunostimulant properties. In the present study, we discuss the effect of propolis on wound healing in sacrococcygeal pilonidal diseases treated with marsupialization. Patients who were admitted to our clinic with sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease were analyzed prospectively, with a total of 33 patients divided into study and control groups. All patients underwent marsupialization surgery, and the wound areas were analyzed post-operatively, on the 0, 7th, 14th, 28th days and on the day of complete recovery. An acceleration of wound healing was observed from the first week that was found to be even faster between days 14 and 28. The complete recovery score in the study group was significantly lower. Propolis can be used to accelerate wound healing when the marsupialization method is preferred in patients diagnosed with uncomplicated sacrococcygeal pilonidal cyst due to its low cost, good patient compliance, low side effect profile, lack of toxicity and high efficacy.