A simple surgical method of treating pilonidal sinus.

A simple surgical method of treatment was used in 63 patients with pilonidal sinus. Adequate block excision with primary closure is the basis of this technique. The problem of closure and obliteration of the dead space was solved by using absorbable sutures to unite fascia and subcutis in the midline, after mobilization of the skin and subcutaneous layers of the wound edges. In 59 (93.6%) of 63 patients treated, primary healing was obtained; in 4 (6.4%) disturbances of wound healing occured; and in 3 (4..8%) recurrences developed. The average stay in hospital was 10.4 days and the average healing time 10 days. The follow-up period was between 1 year and 6 years. The scars were sound, supple and painless. Our results include 6 patients, treated several days before the definitive procedure by incision and drainage for a pilonidal abscess. Antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agents were not used.