Management of pilonidal sinus disease with oblique excision and primary closure: Results of 493 patients

PURPOSE: Pilonidal sinus disease is a common and well-known entity. Many surgical methods have been described for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. The aim of this study was to determine the advantages and long-term results of oblique excision and primary closure techniques. METHOD: Between January 1999 and December 2001, 493 patients ( 490 male, 3 female; average age = 23.48 +/- 3.90 ( range, 15 - 51) years) were operated on for primary or recurrent pilonidal sinus disease. An oblique fusiform-shaped incision was made and the skin was excised. The operation was completed with primary closure. All patients' follow-up examinations were made at the end of the 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean duration of symptoms was 22.09 +/- 17.12 ( range, 1 - 120) months. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.51 +/- 2.85 ( range, 2 - 17) days. At the end of the follow-up period, the recurrence rate was 5.6 percent. CONCLUSION: The ideal operation for pilonidal sinus disease treatment must be simple and effective. The technique of oblique excision and primary closure may be considered an alternative operation for pilonidal sinus resulting in a low recurrence rate.