ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Recurrence after surgery for the pilonidal sinus is well known. Many operative techniques have been developed, but an efficient method has not yet been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a wide excision and simple primary closure of the pilonidal sinus, and to assess the usefulness of this method. METHODS: The patient's age and sex, duration of symptoms, length of hospital stay, complications, recurrence rate, time required for the return to normal activity, and past history of surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of 42 patients was 21.2 years, 41 of these patients were male. 15 patients had a histoty of a previous operation. Twelve had a history of an incision and drainage, and 3 had a history of an excision. The mean duration of the symptoms was 3.5 years. Six among the 42 patients suffered from a complication, and there was only 1 case of recurrence. CONCLUSION: A wide excision and a simple primary closure of the pilonidal sinus is an easy, simple method and the recurrence rate is also low. Therefore, it is still a desirable method of treatment for the pilonidal sinus.