Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

The treatment of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is complex and based on different treatment pillars, that often have to be combined in an individual and patient-oriented approach. Surgery is mainly reserved for advanced diseases with irreversible tissue remodeling, such as fistulas, contractions, and scarring. Moreover, surgical treatment may also be considered to achieve drainage and rapid pain relief in acute inflammatory lesions, however, relapse rates are high in these cases and often definitive surgery is required in the course of the disease. This chapter focuses on surgery as an integral component of HS treatment and provides an overview of different surgical techniques. Furthermore, recommendations for the surgical approach to HS patients and perioperative management are also discussed.