Comparison of two Different Surgical Modalities in the treatment of Pilonidal Sinus (Primary Closure and Open Technique)

Abstract

Background: Pilonidal sinus is disease of young age andits prevalence is higher in men compared to women (almost twice).It is a disease that arises from hair follicles particularly present in the natal cleft. It occurs commonly in Jeep Drivers and hence gets the name from there “Jeep Drivers Disease” and also commonly occurs in Barbers. It leads to formation of abscesses and chronic wounds with discharge and pain. Disease can have huge impact on social life and quality of life. In most cases the treatment is incision and drainage. Study design: It is a case series study. Place and duration of study: Department of General Surgery at Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore from January 2019 to January 2021. Aim: To compare the relative effects of open and closed surgical techniques on the recurrence rate, rate of infection and time of healing for pilonidal sinus. Methodology: Patients with pilonidal sinus disease from January 2019 to January 2021 received surgical treatment either excision followed by primary closure as in closed technique (group A) or excision followed by leaving the wound open for healing by secondary intention as in open technique (group B). Surgical management is widely based upon two techniques open and closed. In open technique wound is left open and heals by secondary intention while in closed technique it is closed primarily and heals by primary intention. The better choice between these two techniques is still a topic of debate. Results: The most common age group for pilonidal sinus was between 16-25 years of age. The mean age came out to be 26.7 years. The mean healing time was 15 days in group A and 42 days in group B. The duration of hospital stay ranged between 2-8 days for group A and 5-16 days for group B. Early postoperative complications seen was infection in 1 patient (7.69%) in group A and 5 patients (35.71%) in group B and these cases were managed conservatively.1 (7.69%) case of aseptic gaping of wound after stitch removal was seen in group A and was managed with closed technique. Recurrences reported in group A was 1 case (7.69%) at 6 months and was surgically managed by open technique. There were a total of 4 (28.57%) recurrences which were left open to heal by granulation. Conclusion: It is concluded that better management option for pilonidal sinus disease is primary closure of defect. So it is suggested that management of pilonidal sinus disease should be individualized but preference must be given to closure of wound after excision. Keywords: Pilonidal sinus, Primary Closure, Open Technique.