Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT): A modern answer to an age-old problem

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Pilonidal Sinus Disease (PSD) presents significant morbidity and varied clinical symptoms.
• Traditional management of PSD has evolved, with Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSiT) emerging as a key advancement.
• Limited data exists on EPSiT's application within military healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSiT) in a military population.
• To assess the feasibility of EPSiT in a manpower-intensive setting.
• To determine the impact of EPSiT on operational readiness.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 43 patients with Pilonidal Sinus Disease.
• Procedures were performed using the Meinero et al. technique, encompassing diagnostic and operative phases.
• Data collected included intraoperative findings, patient follow-up, and analysis using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• The study included 43 patients (3.3:1 male to female ratio), with 81.4% presenting with primary PSD.
• Operative time averaged 12-35 minutes, with a mean tract length of 7.6 ± 1.9 cm.
• Rapid return to work (2-7 days), high wound healing rates (97.7% within 21 days), and low postoperative pain (VAS 2.72 ± 0.83 on POD 1) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSiT) is an effective minimally invasive procedure for Pilonidal Sinus Disease.
• EPSiT facilitates a swift return to work, crucial for maintaining operational readiness in military personnel.
• The study supports EPSiT as an ideal surgical option for combatants requiring prompt recovery.