Pilonidal sinus: following the Aristotelian middle!

ABSTRACT

Pilonidal sinus of the sacrococcygeal region is a fairly common malady. Many surgical and non-surgical methods have thus far been described with variable success rates. No standard operation is in practice, owing to discouraging rates of recurrence. A simple excision and primary repair is described with fairly good results. Thirty two patients with this condition were operated upon by the author between January 2003 and December 2007. A simple excision and primary repair were undertaken in all. Their retrospective data were tabulated from the respective files and analysed. Mean follow-up period was 11.7 months [range, 6-24 months]. Only two patients had partial dehiscence of the suture line that responded to conservative management. There was no full-fledged recurrence in the duration of follow-up. Simple excision and primary closure is a straightforward procedure with good results. A meticulous technique, including follow-up advice [hygiene, depilation etc.] can have a beneficial effect on post-operative outcomes: