Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Series

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pilonidal sinus is a common problem in the sacrococcygeal region, especially in obese, sedentary young men. The ideal surgical solution is still under debate, and there is a high rate of recurrence. In the present study, we analyzed the long-term results of a video-assisted minimally invasive technique for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease: endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT). METHODS From October 2013 through November 2015, a total of 77 consecutive patients (69 Males and 8 Females, median age: 23 y) were referred to our colorectal units. Sixty-eight patients had a primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, and 9 had recurrent pilonidal sinus; all underwent EPSiT. A fistuloscope was introduced through an external opening and the sinus cavity was completely ablated under direct vision. Postoperative complications, wound infection rate, recurrence rate, time until return to work, and patient satisfaction score were recorded during follow-up or at the last interview. Clinical data were obtained at 7, 15, and 30 days and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS All patients completed the follow-up (median follow-up was 25 (range, 17-40) months. Median operative time was 18 (range, 12-30) minutes. The median hospital stay was 6.5 (range, 5-9) hours, and the median time to return to work was 5 days. Median healing time was 26 (range, 15-45) days. There were no major or minor complications. Six patients experienced recurrence. The overall satisfaction rate was 97%. CONCLUSIONS The ideal surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus disease should be simple and effective. In our experience, EPSiT can be performed as a day surgery, with early return to daily activities. This technique is an uneventful procedure, with good aesthetic results and a low recurrence rate.