Long-term efficacy of endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment: a single-centre Australian experience

Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT) is a novel minimally invasive technique for treating pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) involving endoscopic assessment and treatment. This retrospective, non-randomized, observational study is the first Australian study of EPSiT and its largest long-term study to date.

From January 2014 to November 2019, 137 patients with PSD underwent EPSiT. Seventy-two had undergone previous surgery for PSD. Specialized Karl Storz video equipment (fistuloscope) was used. The rigid fistuloscope allowed direct visualization of cavities and secondary tracts. Cavities and tracts were then curetted endoscopically to remove all granulation tissues and hair/follicles. Ablation was then carried out under direct vision along with removal of debris. Patients were then followed up for a mean 56.2 months.

72.2% (n = 91) of patients undergoing EPSiT achieved primary healing (needing nil further intervention) at a median of 6 weeks; 13.5% (n = 17) experienced healing followed by recurrence while 14.3% (n = 18) experienced non-healing. Of the recurrence/non-healing groups, 20/35 underwent repeat EPSiT with healing occurring in 18/20 patients at a median of 7 weeks. The balance of patients (n = 15) underwent other definitive procedures. The mean operating time was 34 min. There were no major complications and 85% of patients were discharged the same day. Eleven patients were lost to follow-up.

EPSiT combines high efficacy of treatment for PSD along with relatively low rates of recurrence. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure means repeat procedures can be performed (where necessary) with low morbidity and a reasonable rate of success.