Advancing pilonidal disease care through pediatric endoscopic treatment (PEPSiT): early insights

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Inflammatory Conditions

Background:

• Pilonidal Sinus Disease (PSD) is an acquired inflammatory condition lacking a standardized treatment protocol.
• Evaluating novel minimally invasive techniques is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the initial experience and outcomes of Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (PEPSiT).
• To determine the safety and efficacy of PEPSiT in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of PEPSiT cases from May 2021 to January 2025.
• Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, BMI, surgical parameters, complications, healing, and recurrence rates.

Main Results:

• Thirty-two pediatric patients underwent PEPSiT, with a median age of 15 years and median BMI of 26.6 kg/m².
• The procedure was performed as day surgery with low complication rates (granuloma, hematoma) and a median healing time of 3 months.
• Three recurrences were successfully managed with repeat PEPSiT, indicating a durable outcome with a median follow-up of 9 months.

Conclusions:

• PEPSiT demonstrates promising safety and efficacy as a treatment option for pediatric Pilonidal Sinus Disease.
• Further investigation through larger, prospective studies is warranted to solidify these findings.