Clinical outcomes of crystallized phenol as a first treatment option in patients with recurrent pilonidal sinus

AİM: This study aimed to observe the clinical outcomes of phenol treatment in patients with recurrent pilonidal sinus disease. MATERİAL AND METHODS: This study retrospectively collected data from 107 patients with recurrent the pilonidal disease who received phenol treatment in a single institute. Patients were divided into two groups as successful treatment (ST) and unsuccessful treatment (UST) after phenol application. A comparison was held between groups to define factors associated with failure treatment. RESULTS: There were 89 patients in ST and 18 patients in UST group. The treatment success rate after phenol treatment was 83.2%. We observed no difference between ST and UST in terms of age, gender, family history, surgical technique at the first operation, time to recurrence, procedure time, follow-up time, time to return to work, walk without pain or sit on the toilet without pain (p>0.05). However, smoking rate, presence of comorbidity, and mean BMI were statistically significantly higher in the UST group compared to the ST group (p<0.05). In addition, being obese (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.07 - 5.60), having a comorbid disease (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.29 - 7.47), and smoking (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.85 - 4.53) were significantly associated with treatment failure. CONCLUSİON: Phenol treatment is an effective and simple procedure that could be easily applied even in rural hospitals in an outpatient fashion. Therefore, it should be considered for patients suffering from recurrence without the need for an aggressive surgical excision. KEY WORDS: Crystallized phenol, Pilonidal sinus, Recurrence.

Comparison of crystallized phenol and Karidakis flap treatment in pilonidal sinus disease

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to compare the results of Karidakis flap reconstruction with crystallized phenol in pilonidal sinus treatment.

METHODS

216 patients treated for pilonidal sinus disease with the researched methods between June 2016 and July 2019 were included in the study.

RESULTS

142 (65.7%) of the patients were treated with the KFR technique and 74 (34.3%) with the crystallized phenol method. Of the patients included in the study, 157 (72.7%) were male, and 59 (27.3%) were female. The mean age was calculated as 24.89 (± 8.4). The mean hospital stay in the KFR group was 1.21 (± 0.4) days. The mean time to return to work was 2.79 (± 1.03) days in the phenol group and 15.35 (± 3.39) days in the KFR group. In 4 (5.4%) patients, the improvement could not be achieved despite multiple sessions of phenol administration, and the procedure was considered unsuccessful. Recurrence occurred in 6 patients (4.22%) in the KFR group. The mean follow-up period was 13.44 (11-16) months in the KFR group and 13.67 (11-16) months in the phenol group. CONCLUSİON: It is thought that phenol administration can be applied in selected single-pit cases with high success, low complications, hospitalization, and early return to work. While the KFR method's lower recurrence rates are advantageous, it was noteworthy that the complication rates were higher.

KEY WORDS

Crystallized phenol, Karydakis flap reconstruction, Pilonidal sinus disease.

Effect of treatment of pilonidal sinus with phenol on patients' clinical condition and quality of life

BACKGROUND

Pilonidal sinus is a common disease. Curative treatment is surgical excision. However, minimally invasive surgery is preferred day by day. Our study aimed to compare the effects of phenol and excision on postoperative results and quality of life in the treatment of pilonidal sinus.

METHODS

The patients who underwent surgery with the diagnosis of the pilonidal sinus in our clinic between June 2019 and June 2021 were examined. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, clinical information, treatment, and postoperative data of the patients were recorded. Daily pain follow-up with daily visceral pain scale (VPS) was performed in the first ten days postoperatively, and a short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used in the first and fourth weeks. The patients were grouped as phenol and excision groups and compared.

RESULTS

The study included 145 patients. Phenol was applied to 83 (57.2%) patients, and excision was applied to 62 (42.8%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, BMI, number of pilonidal sinuses, and family history (p>0.05). Return to work, painless walking and sitting on the toilet, and mean daily VPS values in the phenol group were significantly shorter than the excision group (p<0.05). All subscale values in the postoperative first week SF-36 results were significantly higher than in the excision group (p<0.001) in the phenol group.

CONCLUSION

Phenol is effective in the treatment of pilonidal sinus. Despite excision, treatment with phenol affects the patient's quality of life less in the early postoperative period.

KEY WORDS

Minimally invasive surgery , Pilonidal sinus, Phenol, Quality of life.

Use of Silver Nitrate Application as Mini-Invasive Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the cure rate and adverse effects of silver nitrate application for treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). Methods: Number of sinus pit orifices, and complications with silver nitrate application and debridement for sacrococcygeal PSD between January 2015 and July 2018 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Data were obtained from surgical, discharge, and outpatient follow-up records. Among 56 patients who were treated with silver nitrate stick, 11 patients with incomplete hospital records were excluded from the study. Demographic data including age, gender, length of follow-up, number of silver nitrate applications, number of involved sinuses and recurrence and complication rates were recorded. Results were expressed as frequencies, means, and range of values. The Mann Whitney U and chi square tests were used to evaluate significance. Results: Mean age was 24.3 +- 5.18 (range, 14 - 36) years, and recurrence occurred in 4 (8.9%) patients. Complications developed in 10 (22.2%) patients and included abscess, erythema, and necrosis in 5 (11.1%), 2 (4.4%), and 3 (6.6%) patients, respectively. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients who developed abscesses during the follow-up period (p = 0.001) than those who did not. There was no statistically significant correlation between the recurrence rate and number of sinuses or the number of silver nitrate applications.

CONCLUSION

Low morbidity and high healing rates achieved with silver nitrate provide support for this application as a feasible and effective conservative outpatient treatment for PSD in certain patients.

Is Hair Removal Necessary after Crystallized Phenol Treatment in Pilonidal Disease?

OBJECTIVE

The most important cause of posttreatment recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is the reentry of hair into the skin. The study aimed to investigate the effect of hair removal and its duration on the prevention of recurrence after crystallized phenol treatment.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

Patients with PSD who were treated with crystallized phenol treatment were evaluated. Hair in the sacrococcygeal area was removed with depilatory cream before every crystallized phenol procedure, during the treatment, and after treatment once a month for 6 years. Of 1,016 patients, 735 were contacted by telephone or e-mail regarding the frequency of sacrococcygeal hair removal and recurrence. Demographic and sinus features and crystallized phenol application data of patients treated with crystallized phenol for PSD, as well as recurrences were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 46.23 ± 33 (range, 11-240) months, with 139 (18.9%) patients experiencing recurrence. Patients who underwent hair removal experienced significantly less recurrence than those who did not (p = 0.003, odds ratio [OR]: 0.54 [95% CI: 0.36-0.82]). The OR of recurrence decreased by 0.8% every month as the hair removal time increased (OR: 0.992, 95% CI: 0.985-1.000, p = 0.049). The cutoff value for sensitivity was 0.636, specificity 0.466, and area under the curve 0.562 in hair removal procedures that lasted for over 30 months.

CONCLUSION

Regular hair removal during, and at least 30 months after, crystallized phenol treatment reduced recurrences in patients with PSD.

A comparison of crystal phenol treatment, midline primary closure and Limberg flap reconstruction methods in female patients with primary pilonidal sinus disease

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic problem often occurs in healthy hirsute men, however, women may also be affected. A range of conservative techniques to surgical flaps have been used to treat this condition. Currently, midline primary closure (MPC) is considered the standard of therapy; however, no statistically significant difference has been noted between primary versus secondary (Karydakis flap or Limberg flap) closure. Recently, flap reconstruction methods have been applied and superiority of these methods have been shown. Treatment methods should be employed to the individual, taking into account recurrence and complication rates of the method, recovery time, patients' preference and surgeon's skill. KEY WORDS: Crystal Phenol Treatment, Female Patient, Pilonidal Sinus, Limberg Flap Reconstruction, Primary Midline Closure.

Is gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge to be recommended in pilonidal sinus patient treated with marsupialization? A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

The ideal treatment method for pilonidal sinus has always been a matter of debate. Although primary closure or various flap applications offer shorter wound healing times, their infection rates are very high. Secondary recovery involves long recovery period. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge on wound healing and infection in patients undergoing marsupialization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients were included in the study. Twenty-five patients in control group (Group 1) underwent excision and marsupialization. Gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge was used postoperatively in twentyfive patients in group 2. Three-dimensional wound measurements were made on the 0.7 and 15th days and recorded.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of development of hemorrhage and infection. Excessive granulation was detected in five patients (two in group 1 and three in group 2). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to this criterion. Full recovery times were 29.6 and 28.2 days respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.571). None of the patients developed recurrence at the end of the follow-up period of 6-30 months.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with the results obtained in this randomized and controlled study, no significant difference was observed between gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge group and control group with respect to development of infection, hemorrhage and wound healing times. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge after marsupialization.

KEY WORDS

Gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge, Marsupialization, Pilonidal sinus.

Treatment of pilonidal disease by combination of pit excision and phenol application

AIM

To examine the results of our minimal invasive treatment for pilonidal disease.

METHODS

Total 83 patients treated by pit excision and consecutive phenol applications on an outpatient setting. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia, without any preoperative testing, colon cleansing, prophylactic antibiotics or sedation. A pit excision (mean length 1.3 ± 0.5 cm) including several close midline orifices was done. Separated pit excisions were done to the remaining midline and lateral orifices. Sinus cavity was cleared of hair and debris, and the walls of the cavity were sclerosed using a cotton bud dipped in 80% liquid phenol. Phenolization was repeated twice on day one and seven.

RESULTS

Mean procedure time was 22.2 ± 7.4 min. Rates of patients who did not required analgesics at first, second, third and fourth days after surgery were 58, 85, 91 and 100%, respectively. All the patients returned to work/school after 3 days. Mean wound closure time was 28.5 ± 14.9 days. Total 86.7% of the patients were asymptomatic after a mean 25.7 ± 8.5 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Simple pit excision and sclerosing the pilonidal sinus cavity consecutively was an effective and minimal invasive method for relief of pilonidal symptoms.

Pilonidal sinus disease and tuberculosis

Pilonidal disease is a disease of young people, usually men, which can result in an abscess, draining sinus tracts, and moderate debility for some. It probably results from hair penetration beneath the skin, for reasons that are not totally clear. A pilonidal sinus in the sacrococcygeal region is associated with recurrent infection, abscess formation, cellulitis, and fistulae. The infection is usually chronic and non-specific. However, few reports of granulomatous infection like tuberculosis and actinomycosis in pilonidal sinus have been observed. The presentation of tuberculosis in these sinuses may have wide forms, with atypical and uncharacteristic clinical picture, making it difficult to make a diagnosis preoperatively. This paper discusses about pilonidal sinus disease and tubercular infiltration in these sinuses. The diagnosis of tuberculosis in pilonidal sinus disease is elusive, necessitating a high index of suspicion. The literature on the tubercular affliction of pilonidal sinus is scant. Novel diagnostic modalities such as adenosine deaminase levels and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be useful in doubtful situations. Physicians should obtain a thorough history focusing on risk behaviors for human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and tuberculosis. Treatment comprises of standard regimen of antitubercular medication and a modest surgical approach towards the sinuses.

Fibrin glue in the treatment of pilonidal sinus: results of a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Pilonidal sinus is a common condition of uncertain etiology. There is no agreed best surgical treatment. Treatment of fistula-in-ano has been described with some success with fibrin tissue glue. The use of fibrin glue is investigated in this pilot study.

METHODS

Six patients with chronic pilonidal sinus were treated with injection of fibrin tissue glue after curettage of the pits.

RESULTS

There were no complications. Postoperative discomfort was minimal and early return to normal activities was possible. There was no recurrence of disease in five of six patients at one year.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrin tissue glue may be a possible novel treatment for pilonidal disease.

High Body Mass Index as a Possible Risk Factor for Pilonidal Sinus Disease in Adolescents

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is common in adults, but it may also develop in adolescents. The intergluteal groove is a deep moist area in which broken hairs and foreign bodies can collect, often leading to infection. Only a few papers have been published considering PSD in children. For the present study, we retrospectively examined the data of operated patients with PSD. From that review, it appears that high body mass index (BMI) might be a risk factor for the development of PSD and its complications in older children. Fourteen young patients (12 males, 2 females, 12-18 years of age) underwent surgery for PSD. According to the BMI-for-age, eight of these patients (57, 1%) were overweight or obese. Five of them (35.8%) developed mild to moderate postoperative complications. Symptoms recurred in one patient (7.1%) whose BMI was considered as overweight. In patients with normal weight no early or late complications developed. Our findings suggest that high BMI in adolescents is a significant risk factor in the development of both symptoms and complications of PSD after surgical treatment.

Treatment of pilonidal sinus disease using fibrin glue as a sealant

BACKGROUND

Complete excision is the preferred treatment for pilonidal sinus disease. We describe a new technique of excision and tension-free primary closure of pilonidal sinus disease, combined with application of fibrin glue in order to obliterate the dead space and to promote wound healing.

METHODS

A curved incision of the carried out, 2-3 cm lateral to the opening of the sinus, done under general or spinal anesthesia, and a thick flap was created by undercutting the medial edge and advancing it across the midline. The sinus was completely excised with all of its extensions. The flap was then sutured back to its original place by several interrupted monofilament mattress sutures. Then, 2-4 ml of fibrin glue was injected through the original pilonidal sinus opening to the sinus bed in order to obliterate the dead space.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with pilonidal sinus disease were treated by this technique. In four patients, there was a temporary purulent discharge through the opening of the sinus, and there were no other complications. The mean period for returning to daily activities and to work for patients was 11 days (SD=6 days). No infection or recurrent disease was noticed during the follow-up period (23+/-3 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete excision with tension free closure with fibrin glue application may be a useful technique for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease.

Pilonidal sinus treated with crystallized phenol: an eight-year experience

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of crystallized phenol on the outpatient treatment of pilonidal disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients seen in the outpatient surgery clinic of the University Hospital, Elazlg, Turkey. Age, gender, body mass index, characteristics of sinuses at initial presentation, and the recovery time of 41 patients were analyzed. The relationship between recovery time and the number of sinus openings, presence of abscess, and status of the sinuses (acute vs. chronic) were noted.

RESULTS

Crystallized phenol was applied a total of 107 times on 41 patients. Seventy percent of the patients had two to three applications. Mean recovery time was 42.7 (+/- standard deviation of 24) days with a range of 13 to 120 days. Recurrences were observed in only two patients at the fifth and eighth months following recovery. The success rate was 95.1 percent. Median follow-up was 24 (range, 6-98) months. The status of sinuses (acute vs. chronic and presence or absence of abscess) and the number of sinus opening had no effect on recovery time (P > 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Crystallized phenol treatment is a simple and inexpensive method that can be readily applied on an outpatient basis, decreasing both the recurrence rate and lost work time. We suggest that this method be considered the first-line treatment of any type of pilonidal sinus.

Single-dose metronidazole versus 5-day multi-drug antibiotic regimen in excision of pilonidal sinuses with primary closure: a prospective randomised controlled double-blinded study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This pilot study examines whether single-dose intravenous metronidazole preoperatively is at least as effective as a broad-spectrum multi-drug regimen in preventing infection-related wound complications following excision of pilonidal sinuses with primary closure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A double-blinded study with 50 patients randomised to receiving either a single drug (intravenous metronidazole 500 mg) prophylaxis preoperatively or multi-drug cover (intravenous cefuroxime 1.5 g and metronidazole 0.5 g preoperatively, and oral co-amoxiclav 375 mg 8-hourly postoperatively). They will be reviewed 1, 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. The wound will be graded as: I, healthy; II, redness and swelling of edges; III, abscess related to a suture; IV, spreading wound infection; V, wound breakdown. Other factors considered are the distance from the lowest wound margin to the anal verge, and previous pilonidal sinus surgery.

RESULTS

Results awaited.

CONCLUSION

Single-dose metronidazole seems an appropriate and low-cost antibiotic to consider for prophylaxis in pilonidal sinus surgery. This study will form the base for a trial to be conducted in larger numbers as a randomised controlled trial in order to have statistical power.

Systematic review of antimicrobial agents used for chronic wounds

BACKGROUND

This paper is one of a series of eight systematic reviews that aim to identify effective interventions for chronic wounds. Here, antimicrobial agents are evaluated.

METHODS

Electronic databases and other relevant sources were accessed to identify published and unpublished material. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they used concurrent controls, recruited participants with chronic wounds, evaluated an intervention designed to prevent or treat chronic wounds, and incorporated an objective assessment of wound healing. All included studies were assessed against a comprehensive checklist for methodological quality. A narrative overview was conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty trials were included, 25 of randomized design. Small sample size and other methodological problems meant that findings were often difficult to interpret. Results do not support the routine use of systemic antibiotics for leg ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers without acute infection, but they may be useful as an adjunct to surgery for pilonidal sinuses. Several topical preparations may be helpful, including dimethyl sulphoxide, silver sulphadiazine, benzoyl peroxide, oxyquinoline and gentamicin.

CONCLUSION

Most of this research requires replication in larger, well designed studies to establish both clinical and cost effectiveness.

Pilonidal disease

All patients with pilonidal disease (abscess or sinus) managed surgically ('laying open') between 1975 and 1990 in the Colorectal Service, University Department of Surgery, Wellington School of Medicine were reviewed. A total of 323 operations (177 males, 146 females) were performed in 311 patients. Seven males and 5 females required two operations before satisfactory healing was achieved (recurrence rate 3.8%). Males were older than females (mean, 26.4 vs 21.5 years). One patient's wound bled following surgery and required immediate repacking. There were no other wound problems. One hundred and seventy-seven patients presented acutely with pilonidal abscess and 146 patients presented with pilonidal sinus. Patients with pilonidal abscess were younger than those with pilonidal sinus (male, 25.8 vs 26.9 years and female, 20.8 vs 23.5 years). There were proportionately more Maori patients who presented acutely. 'Laying open' under general anaesthesia seems to be a safe and successful method for managing pilonidal disease in all but the few patients in whom multiple operations have been performed previously or in those in whom healing has failed to occur. Based on our initial experience of 'day case' surgery the procedure could safely be done on an outpatient basis.

Outcome at three to five years of primary closure of perianal and pilonidal abscess. A randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a complete three-year followup of one compared with four days' treatment with ampicillin and metronidazole

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long term results after primary closure of perianal abscess and pilonidal sinus.

DESIGN

Follow up by questionnaire and study of casenotes.

SETTING

University hospital and district hospital.

SUBJECTS

88 Patients who had previously been in a prospective random control trial of two regimens of antibiotic treatment (ampicillin and metronidazole for one compared with four days) before incision, curettage, and primary closure of perianal abscess or pilonidal sinus.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Recurrence rate and outcome.

RESULTS

32 Patients had perianal abscesses of which 31 (97%) healed primarily (95% confidence interval [CI] 84 to 100%) with 4 recurrences (13%, 95% CI 2 to 24%). 56 Patients had pilonidal sinuses or abscesses of which 46 (82%) healed primarily (95% CI 70 to 91%) with 14 recurrences (30%, 95% CI 16 to 40%). There were no significant differences between the two antibiotic regimens. The mean followup was 53 months. Two patients had died, both had had perianal abscesses. Pilonidal sinuses tended to recur during the first year, whereas pilonidal abscesses recurred after a lapse of two years or more. Half the patients who had had previous operations for the same complications, compared with a third who were being operated on for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS

A one day course of ampicillin and metronidazole is not associated with any more complications than a four day course. Perianal abscesses respond well to primary closure, but management of pilonidal abscesses and sinuses is more difficult.

[Treatment of pilonidal sinus with excision and primary suture using a local, resorbable antibiotic carrier. Results of a prospective randomized study]

The excision of a pilonidal sinus with wound healing by second intention, often results in a long duration of treatment. On the other hand, primary suture after excision has a high rate of abscess formation. In a randomized study we treated 40 patients with excision of pilonidal sinus, insertion of a collagen sponge containing Gentamicin and primary suture (group 1) to prevent this abscess formation. Another 40 patients were treated in the same way but without applying the Gentamicin-collagen sponge (group 2). There had been no significant differences as to the history and duration of the disease, the wound size, the degree of inflammation, the weight of the patients or the amount of hair near the sinus. In group 1 only 7.5% of the patients had a postoperative abscess formation, in contrast to group 2, with an abscess rate of 52.5% and consecutive surgery (p less than 0.001). One year after the operation the recurrence rate was 0 in both groups. Considering the results mentioned, surgical excision of the pilonidal sinus in combination with insertion of a resorbable antibiotic sponge we recommend this therapy.

The use of fusidic acid gel in pilonidal abscess treatment: cure, recurrence and failure rates

Eighty one consecutive patients with pilonidal abscesses were treated by incision, curettage and primary closure with local instillation of 2% fusidic acid gel (Fucidin Caviject). Normal activity was resumed early (mean 13 days) with a low recurrence rate (13%). The regimen allows treatment as an outpatient, healing time is short and there is an early return to work. These features provide potential financial benefits to the Health Service, employee and employer.

Aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology of pilonidal cyst abscess in children

Aspirates of pus from pilonidal abscesses in 25 children were studied for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. A total of 76 isolates (63 anaerobic and 13 aerobic) were recovered from the patients, accounting for 2.52 anaerobes and 0.52 aerobes per specimen. Anaerobic organisms were recovered from all the specimens, and in eight cases (32%) they were mixed with aerobic organisms. The predominant anaerobic organisms were Bacteroides sp (36 isolates, including ten B fragilis group and ten B melaninogenicus group), Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (16). Fusobacterium sp (five), and Clostridium sp (four). The predominant aerobic organisms were Escherichia coli (four) and group D streptococci, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, and Proteus sp (two of each). We believe this study is the first to demonstrate the mixed anaerobic and aerobic bacteriology of pilonidal cyst abscesses in children.

Pilonidal sinus treated by phenol injection

The method of using phenol injections for the treatment of pilonidal sinus is described in detail. This is a simple, safe and painless method which may be used as a day case procedure. The results are discussed and compare very favourably with the more radical forms of treatment.