Morbidity and short term results in a randomised trial of open compared with closed treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the morbidity and short term results after open compared with closed treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus.


METHODS
Randomised control trial.


METHODS
120 of 164 patients with chronic pilonidal sinus treated between April 1987 and April 1989.


METHODS
60 patients were treated by excision and primary suture, and 60 by excision and open packing.


METHODS
Incidence of early complications (bleeding that needed treatment, wound breakdown, infection, haematoma, or wound pain), number of postoperative visits required, and length of sick leave taken.


RESULTS
Those patients who underwent excision and suture had slightly but not significantly fewer early complications (16/60, 27%, compared with 23/60, 38%). Most of the early complications were the result of infection (8, 13% compared with 18, 30%, respectively). They also required fewer followup visits and less sick leave, and their wounds healed more quickly. At one year the numbers of late complications were 19 (32%) and 14 (23%), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Excision and primary closure of chronic pilonidal sinus causes less morbidity and is more cost effective than excision and open packing. We plan a three year follow-up to see if these results are maintained.
Søndenaa
K
K
Department of Surgery, Rogaland Central County Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Andersen
E
E
Søreide
J A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009017:Morbidity; D010864:Pilonidal Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome