Minimal incision as a promising technique for resection of pilonidal sinus in children

Purpose To evaluate functional and long-term outcome of a minimal incision technique for resection of pilonidal sinus in children. Patients and methods All children who underwent surgery for pilonidal sinus in our institution between October 2008 and March 2015 were included. We performed a retrospective chart review and a follow-up telephone survey. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were compared between patients who underwent either minimal incision or wide excision surgery. Results Study groups included 21 cases of minimal incision procedure and 21 cases of wide excision procedure with similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Postoperative functional outcome was significantly better in the minimal incision group with fewer days on analgesics (0 versus 2.5, P = 0.005), fewer sick days (4 versus 14, P < 0.001), and fewer days to full activity (10 versus 45, P < 0.001). Reoperation rate was 28% for minimal incision and 9% for wide excision (P = 0.238). Overall long-term favorable outcome (no reoperation/recurrent abscess/continued symptoms) rate was 62% after minimal incision and 45% after wide excision (P = 0.354). Conclusion The minimal incision is a promising technique for resection of pilonidal sinus in children as it is associated with better postoperative functional outcome and comparable long-term outcome compared with wide excision. Level of evidence Therapeutic study- level III.