RESUMEN
Controversy still exists about the best surgical method for the treatment of pilonidal sinus. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of excision and primary closure. One hundred and seventy-three patients with pilonidal sinus, 119 [69%] men and 54 [31%] women, and a mean age of 23.3 +/- 7.5 yrs and divided into two Groups of A [electrocautery] and B [excision] for the removal of pilonidal sinus. Wound complications, hospital stay, times to heal, return to work, patient's comfort and recurrence rate were recorded for the two groups. The postoperative follow-up was 6 months. All patients were able to resume their normal lives and activities 7-9 days after the operation. Wound infection and recurrence rate were significantly [P<0.05] less prevalent in Group A [5% and 3.8%] than in Group B [1% and 0%]. There was no significant difference between two groups in regard to hospital stay, time to heal, time to return to work and patients' comfort after 6 months of follow-up. The use of electrocautery at the base of the wound is not recommended because it may obscure the exact extent of the pilonidal sinus and increase the rate of recurrences