Management of Pilonidal Disease: A Review

Subarachnoid anesthesia for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease treatment: A case report

RATIONALE

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting young males. This case report details the perioperative anesthetic management of a patient undergoing SPD surgery under subarachnoid anesthesia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 48-year-old obese male (body mass index 28 kg/m2) presented with recurrent sacrococcygeal swelling, pain, and purulent discharge for 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pilonidal sinus in the left subcutaneous sacrococcygeal region, with additional findings of degenerative vertebral changes and left paracentral disc protrusion at the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebrae.

DIAGNOSES

SPD with abscess formation.

INTERVENTIONS

Following comprehensive evaluation, the patient underwent SPD excision under subarachnoid anesthesia. Lumbar puncture was performed at the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae interspace, and 2 mL of 0.6% ropivacaine was administered, achieving a sensory block up to the eighth thoracic vertebra level. The patient experienced transient respiratory difficulty during positional change from supine to prone, necessitating immediate reassessment of the block level and appropriate management. Vital signs were closely monitored intraoperatively, with meticulous postoperative follow-up.

OUTCOMES

The surgery was completed successful with stable hemodynamics. No significant anesthesia-related complications were observed within 24 hours postoperatively.

LESSONS

Thorough preoperative assessment of local and systemic infection status is essential in SPD patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia. Intraoperative positional changes may affect the level of subarachnoid block, requiring vigilant monitoring of vital signs and respiratory function. Postoperative care should focus on potential anesthetic complications and wound care requirements. Individualized anesthetic management strategies are crucial for ensuring patient safety.

Sinus laser therapy versus Karydakis flap procedure in the management of pilonidal sinus disease: a comparative analysis of intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcome

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the utility of minimally invasive sinus laser therapy (SiLaT) versus flap surgery (Karydakis flap procedure) in terms of intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcome in patients with pilonidal sinus disease (PSD).

METHODS

A total of 106 patients with PSD (mean ± SD age: 26.4 ± 7.0 years, 86.8% male) treated with Karydakis flap procedure (KF group; n = 63) or sinus laser therapy (SiLaT group; n = 43) were included in this retrospective study. Data on patient demographics, operative characteristics (number of openings, length of sinus tract, and operative time), and postoperative outcome including postoperative (day 1) pain intensity-visual analog scale (VAS) scores, time to return to work after surgery (days), complication rate, and recurrence rate were recorded in each patient and compared between KF and SiLaT groups.

RESULTS

The SiLaT versus KF procedure was associated with significantly shorter operative time [median (min-max) 17 (12-28) versus 27 (20-44) min, p = 0.001], lower pain scores [3 (1-4) versus 5 (3-7), p = 0.001], and earlier return to work [1 (1-3) versus 10 (5-20) days, p = 0.001]. Although no significant difference was noted in complication and recurrence rates between the KF and SiLaT groups, 6.3% (wound infection only) and 3.2% of patients in the KF group but none of the patients in the SiLaT group developed complication and recurrence, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SiLaT seems to be a promising minimally invasive technique for the management of PSD, being comparable to the KF procedure in terms of complications and recurrence, along with added advantages of shorter operative time, reduced postoperative pain, and earlier return to work.

Pilonidal granuloma formation after an incision and drainage procedure is associated with retained hair within the sinus - A case series

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Pilonidal disease may present with a draining secondary sinus or granuloma, but the development of these findings is not well-characterized.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two adolescent males presented with pilonidal disease. The first patient had a gluteal cleft abscess, and an incision and drainage procedure was performed. Although the abscess resolved, the incision site formed a granuloma with intermittent draining wound with granulation tissue. He underwent a pit-picking procedure along with excision of the granuloma. A large amount of hair was also removed from within the pilonidal sinus. The second patient underwent an incision and drainage procedure to treat the pilonidal abscess. The incision site evolved into a granuloma with recurring drainage. A pit-picking procedure was performed, and the granuloma was excised. During the excision, a moderate amount of hair was evacuated from the pilonidal sinus.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Many pilonidal patients present with a granuloma or secondary sinus at the gluteal cleft, but there has been no documentation of the natural history of this development. The role of hair is central to pilonidal disease pathophysiology and is a known factor in foreign body granuloma formation - a cutaneous inflammatory response to endogenous or exogenous material in the dermis that is not broken down readily by macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Even though the pilonidal abscess was drained with an incision, a granuloma was able to form with recurrent drainage when hair was retained within the pilonidal sinus.

Management and outcomes of pilonidal patients with secondary sinuses-a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with pilonidal disease (PD) can present with concurrent draining secondary sinus at the superior gluteal cleft. The natural disease course in the setting of this severe phenotype is poorly characterized. We present the largest cohort of patients with PD and concurrent secondary sinus.

METHODS

Patients with PD and concurrent secondary sinus who underwent Gips procedure with secondary sinus excision from 2019 to 2023 were prospectively followed. Patient demographics, drainage recurrence, symptom resolution, treatment, and follow-up period were recorded. Recurrent drainage from previous secondary sinus site was defined as isolated painless serous drainage after the wound had closed for > 3 weeks; recurrent PD was characterized as recurrent pain and bloody drainage after excision.

RESULTS

One hundred and five patients (seventy-one males) with a median age of 17.2 years [interquartile range (IQR):15.4-19.0] underwent excision of their disease and were followed for a median of 367.0 days (IQR: 173.2-658.8). Without regular epilation, six patients (5.7%, five males, one female) had recurrent PD. With regular epilation, three patients (2.8%, three males) had recurrent PD. Eight patients (7.5%, six males, two females) had recurrent secondary sinus site drainage. Median time to recurrent drainage was 75.5 days (IQR: 65.2-216.2) after excision and for recurrent drainage to resolve was 72 days (IQR: 49-81). Recurrent secondary sinus site drainage was treated with antibiotics, silver nitrate, debridement, or no treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients who present with PD in the setting of concurrent secondary sinus have a unique, more severe disease phenotype. Excision can be complicated by recurrent drainage from the secondary sinus site that can resolve without repeat surgical excision.

Standardized pilonidal protocol as rescue therapy for excision-refractory pilonidal disease

PURPOSE

Severe pilonidal diseases have refractory symptoms despite multiple surgeries and optimal therapy remains unclear. We hypothesized that standardized minimally invasive protocol could be an effective rescue treatment.

METHODS

We prospectively collected data from symptomatic patients who underwent ≥ 1 pilonidal excision prior to presentation at our clinic 2019-2023. We treated these patients with standardized protocol incorporating local wound care, regular manual/laser epilation, and selective debridement/pit trephination.

RESULTS

We treated 34 refractory patients (23 males) with median follow-up 405 days. Median age of first symptoms was 17.1 years; presentation to our clinic 20.0 years. Prior to our clinic, 27 received one surgery (cleft lift-2, excision no closure-1, excision primary closure-18, wound vac after excision-3, excision flap closure-3); 7 had two surgeries (excision without closure + cleft lift-1, primary closure after excision twice-3, flap closure after excision twice-2, excision primary closure + excision without closure-1). We treated all patients with regular epilation ± local wound care. 14 (41%) underwent trephination ± debridement. All patients achieved complete resolution after median 52 days. Five (14.7%) recurred and were treated with trephination + debridement-2 or wound care alone-3. Symptom length had no correlation with resolution time, skin type, hair amount.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized minimally invasive protocol requiring only selective surgical intervention can treat refractory pilonidal disease with low recurrence rate.

The application of ERAS in pilonidal sinus: comparison of postoperative recovery between primary suture and Limberg flap procedure in a multicenter prospective randomized trial

Purpose

We evaluated the clinical effect of utilizing a Limberg rhomboid flap graft in conjunction with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for the management of pilonidal sinus in the sacrococcygeal region to demonstrate the feasibility of applying ERAS to the treatment of pilonidal sinus.

Methods

Between January 2010 and August 2018, prospective data analysis was undertaken on 109 patients who received surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus in the sacrococcygeal region at the Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital affiliated to Yangtze University, and Taizhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. The patients were randomly separated into two groups based onoperation technique: the control group (pilonidal sinus resection with primary suture) and the observation group (pilonidal sinus resection with Limberg flap graft). Some patients in the above two groups received ERAS after surgery, which included early feeding and early ambulation, etc. Therefore, we further subdivided each group into group A (without ERAS) and group B (with ERAS) according to whether they received ERAS. Comparative analysis was conducted to assess differences in pertinent data before and after surgery across the respective groups.

Results

The length of postoperative hospitalization was shorter and wound dehiscence was more common in control group B than in control group A [(9.00 ± 1.20) vs. (11.07 ± 1.78), 26.7% (8/30) vs. 7.1% (2/28), P < 0.05]. Observation group B exhibited significantly shorter wound recovery periods and postoperative hospital stays compared to observation group A [(8.08 ± 1.20) vs. (9.16 ± 2.21), (26.23 ± 3.97) vs. (29.08 ± 4.74), P < 0.05]. The hospitalization duration and wound healing time in observation group B were notably shorter than those observed in control group B [(8.08 ± 1.20) vs. (9.00 ± 1.20), [26.23 ± 3.97 vs. (43.67 ± 7.26), P < 0.05], but the operation time was longer and scar acceptance was lower [(78.85 ± 10.16) vs. (43.30 ± 6.06), (4.00 ± 0.69) vs. (7.53 ± 0.86), P < 0.05]. The VAS score, infection rate, wound dehiscence rate, subcutaneous hematoma rate and 5-year recurrence rate in observation group B were lower than those in control group B [(5.00 ± 1.39) vs. (7.13 ± 0.78), 3.8% (1/26) vs. 23.3% (7/30), 3.8% (1/26) vs. 26.7% (8/30), 3.8% (1/26) vs. 26.7%(8/30), 7.7% (2/26) vs. 30.0% (9/30), P < 0.05], but the rate of flap ischemia or necrosis was higher [15.4% (4/26) vs. 0(0/30), P < 0.05].

Conclusion

The combination of ERAS with pilonidal sinus resection using Limberg flap graft demonstrated a reduction in infection rates, wound dehiscence, subcutaneous hematoma occurrence, and recurrence rates, along with alleviation of postoperative pain and acceleration of healing time. Comparatively, this approach offers superior advantages over pilonidal sinus resection with primary suture in the management of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

Surgeons' Experience and Practices in Managing the Pilonidal Sinus in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background Despite pilonidal sinus disease being a prevalent issue, there are still many challenges and controversies regarding its management. This study aimed to evaluate the experiences and practices of surgeons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in the management of the pilonidal sinus and determine the most preferred treatment method, recurrence rates, and other complications related to different treatment methods. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 104 surgeons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq from January to February 2024 using an online survey based on Google Forms. A questionnaire was developed for data collection that included data on the experience and practice of pilonidal sinus treatment. Results The most common procedure followed by the study participants to manage the pilonidal sinus included primary open (n = 61/104, 58.7%), followed by primary closure (n = 20/104, 19.2%). The most common reasons or advantages for performing specific procedures to manage the pilonidal sinus were a lower recurrence rate (n = 73/104, 70.2%), safer procedures (n = 60/104, 57.7%), shorter operation times (n = 57/104, 54.8%), and shorter hospital stays (n = 53/104, 51.0%). The primary open method was the most commonly used method (n = 46/104, 44.3%), followed by simple incision and drainage (n = 25/104, 24.0%), primary closure (n = 23/104, 22.1%), and off-midline closure (n = 10/104, 9.6%). Most of the participants agreed that the primary open had the lowest recurrence rate (n = 68/104, 65.4%), while simple incision and drainage (n = 50/104, 48.1%) and primary closure (n = 29/104, 27.9%) were associated with frequent recurrence. Conclusions Standard treatment of pilonidal sinus disease is still not available. Most surgeons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq prefer the open method, which is the easiest, safest, and least recurrent yield method. However, it is the most painful and has the longest recovery time.

Efficacy of Laser Treatment in Pilonidal Disease: A Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to collate all published studies on laser therapy for pilonidal disease and demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques. Methods: A comprehensive literature search, with no language limitations, was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to April 23, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the bias risk of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.4). (PROSPERO Registration ID Number CRD42023420803). Results: The analysis included 1214 patients from 13 studies, who fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria. With a median follow-up of 12 (range, 7.8-25) months, 1000 (84.4%) patients achieved healing after primary laser treatment. The mean complication and recurrence rates were 12.7% and 7.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Laser ablation for pilonidal sinus disease is a new minimally invasive technique with good treatment efficacy, low postoperative recovery, and shorter recovery periods following employment.

Recurrence rates of pilonidal sinus disease in the pediatric population following trephine surgery

BACKGROUND

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common surgical disease. Multiple surgical methods exist in the literature, without clear consensus regarding which should be the first-line treatment. Minimally invasive methods such as the Gips procedure are gaining popularity in recent years. The aim of our study was to assess recurrence rates following the Gips procedure and to determine whether using the same surgical approach during re-operation is efficient and successful.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective observational study of pediatric patients that underwent Gips procedure due to PSD between the years 2012-2022.

RESULTS

565 pediatric patients underwent an elective surgery for PSD in the study period. Recurrence rate was 8.1% (n = 46). In all the patients with recurrence, re-operation took place on average 9 months following the first surgery and using the same surgical method. Following the second surgery, only 8 patients (1%) had multiple recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a relatively low recurrence rate in the pediatric population using the Gips method, and nearly 100% success rate following the second operation. Our findings set a new benchmark for pediatric recurrence following PSD operation, with clear recommendation to use the same method of surgery upon further recurrences as well.

Pilonidal disease in the pregnant patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Pilonidal disease in the pregnant patient is underreported and may be instigated by significant shifts in hormone levels throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An otherwise healthy primigravid 22-year-old woman developed pilonidal disease at the beginning of her pregnancy. While pregnant, her symptoms recurred once and resolved without treatment. She was managed non-operatively during pregnancy. Her symptoms recurred again in the postpartum period but they quickly resolved. Due to the recurrent symptoms, she underwent definitive management via minimally invasive Gips procedure in the postpartum period, without further recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Pilonidal disease affects pregnant patients and can be managed non-operatively. The etiology of pilonidal disease in the setting of pregnancy may be related to hormonal shifts and warrants further investigation.

CONCLUSION

We present the first report of pilonidal disease in a pregnant patient in the primary literature. The hormonal shifts associated with pregnancy may be associated with the development of pilonidal disease in the pregnant patient.

Commentary on packing vs non-packing of pilonidal sinus cavities after incision and drainage

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) manifests as an inflammatory skin condition typically emerging within the anal cleft. The prevalence of this disease varies in high income countries. This disease is associated with significant physical and psychosocial distress. Surgery is an option for managing PSD; yet, surgical methods vary, and a universally accepted gold standard approach is lacking, leading to current practices that are diverse and subject to ongoing debate. One such point of contention revolves around the decision to use packing or opt for a non-packing approach following surgery. Mohamedahmed et al (2021) conducted a systematic review to evaluate the comparative outcomes of packing versus non-packing of an abscess cavity following incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess on any part of the body. This commentary aims to critically appraise the methods used within the review by Mohamedahmed et al (2021) and expand upon the findings in the context of treatment and management of PSD.

Outcomes of pediatric pilonidal disease treatment: excision with off-midline flap reconstruction versus endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment

PURPOSE

Pilonidal disease (PD) is marked by chronic inflammation and frequent recurrence which can decrease quality of life. However, debate remains regarding the optimal treatment for PD in the pediatric population. This study compares two recommended treatment approaches-excision with off-midline flap reconstruction (OMF: Bascom cleft lift flap, modified Limberg flap) and minimally invasive endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT).

METHODS

Single-center retrospective evaluation of patients 1-21 years of age with PD who underwent either excision with OMF reconstruction or EPSiT between 10/1/2011 and 10/31/2021. Outcomes included were disease recurrence, reoperation, and wound complication rates. Comparisons were performed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

18 patients underwent excision/OMF reconstruction and 45 patients underwent EPSiT. The excision/OMF reconstruction cohort was predominantly male (44.4% vs 17.8% p = 0.028), with history of prior pilonidal infection (33.3% vs 6.7%; p = 0.006), and longer median operative time (60 min vs 17 min; p < 0.001). The excision/OMF reconstruction cohort had a higher rate of wound complications (22.2% vs 0%; p = 0.001), but lower rates of disease recurrence (5.6% vs 33.3%; p = 0.022) and reoperation (5.6% vs 31.1%; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

In pediatric patients with PD, excision with OMF reconstruction may decrease recurrence and reoperation rates with increased operative times and wound complication rates, compared to EPSiT.

Laser Epilation as an Adjunct to Standard Care in Reducing Pilonidal Disease Recurrence in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Recurrence continues to be a significant challenge in the treatment and management of pilonidal disease.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of laser epilation (LE) as an adjunct to standard care vs standard care alone in preventing recurrence of pilonidal disease in adolescents and young adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a single-institution, randomized clinical trial with 1-year follow-up conducted from September 2017 to September 2022. Patients aged 11 to 21 years with pilonidal disease were recruited from a single tertiary children's hospital.

Intervention

LE and standard care (improved hygiene and mechanical or chemical depilation) or standard care alone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the rate of recurrence of pilonidal disease at 1 year. Secondary outcomes assessed during the 1-year follow-up included disability days, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), health care satisfaction, disease-related attitudes and perceived stigma, and rates of procedures, surgical excisions, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 302 participants (median [IQR] age, 17 [15-18] years; 157 male [56.1%]) with pilonidal disease were enrolled; 151 participants were randomly assigned to each intervention group. One-year follow-up was available for 96 patients (63.6%) in the LE group and 134 (88.7%) in the standard care group. The proportion of patients who experienced a recurrence within 1 year was significantly lower in the LE treatment arm than in the standard care arm (-23.2%; 95% CI, -33.2 to -13.1; P < .001). Over 1 year, there were no differences between groups in either patient or caregiver disability days, or patient- or caregiver-reported HRQOL, health care satisfaction, or perceived stigma at any time point. The LE group had significantly higher Child Attitude Toward Illness Scores (CATIS) at 6 months (median [IQR], 3.8 [3.4-4.2] vs 3.6 [3.2-4.1]; P = .01). There were no differences between groups in disease-related health care utilization, disease-related procedures, or postoperative complications.

Conclusions and Relevance

LE as an adjunct to standard care significantly reduced 1-year recurrence rates of pilonidal disease compared with standard care alone. These results provide further evidence that LE is safe and well tolerated in patients with pilonidal disease. LE should be considered a standard treatment modality for patients with pilonidal disease and should be available as an initial treatment option or adjunct treatment modality for all eligible patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03276065.