Pilonidal sinus of the anal canal: a rare entity - case report

ABSTRACT

Pilonidal sinus is the term first used by Hodges in 1880 to describe a granulomatous lesion containing hairs. It has been previously described as hair extracted from an ulcer andreferredtoasJeep's disease, in world war days. Pilonidal sinus is the condition in which a sinus or fistula is situated at a short distance from the anus and generally contains hairs. It is commonly observed in the sacrococcygeal region and a few other sites, such as the axilla, umbilicus, face, etc. Its presence elsewhere is uncommon. Predisposing factors are traumatized, hairy skin, which leads entry of the hair inside the wound, thus forming a sinus. A 31-year-old patient presented with discharging endoanal sinus tract, which, on exploration, turned out to be an endoanal pilonidal sinus containing hair tufts, a rare case. The patient complained of recurrent pus discharge and anal pain for 45 days, reporting history of travelling around 70 km daily in a two-wheeler vehicle. On first physical evaluation, a small endoanal bulge was found. It was located at 1 o'clock in lithotomy position (anterior), with purulent discharge and anterior anal fissure. For confirmation, an endoanal ultrasonography (USG) was performed, which showed a sinus tract containing internal echoes and gas bubbles with a small amount of pus. The sinus was explored, and a wide excision was made and left open for secondary healing. Pilonidal sinus of the anal canal is a rare entity, and it can be found in hairy patients who are used to going on long, daily rides on two wheeled vehicles. (AU)