Radio surgery in pilonidal sinus: a new approach for the old problem.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of approaches are employed in dealing with sacro-coccygeal pilonidal sinus disease. They range from a conservative treatment to an extensive surgical excision. However, a method of lying open sinuses is still practiced in many parts of the world due to its simplicity and favourable outcome.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This study describes a modified approach to the above procedure where a radio surgical device has been used to carry out the complete process. Twenty-one patients with chronic pilonidal sinus were treated with this technique of radio surgery. There were 11 males and 10 females.

RESULTS

The mean hospital stay was 8 hrs and mean time to return to work was 7 days. Mean healing time was recorded as 71 days. One patient had a delayed wound healing due to premature approximation of the external wound, needing refashioning of the edges. No recurrence was seen at a 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

An ideal surgical procedure for pilonidal sinus should be one, aiming at reducing hospital stay, minimizing tissue assault, promoting early work resumption and preventing recurrence. The technique of lying open of sinus tract using radio surgery technique resulted in achieving less tissue trauma, pain and inflammation. The patients returned to their routine within a short duration of time. The results do compare with the other extensive surgical procedures in vogue.