A prospective randomized controlled trial of simple Bascom's technique versus Bascom's cleft closure for the treatment of chronic pilonidal disease.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine which of Bascom's simple techniques, Bascom's simple surgery or Bascom's cleft closure, is preferred in the management of moderate-severity pilonidal disease.


METHODS
Fifty-five patients with chronic pilonidal disease were randomized to receive Bascom's simple surgery (n = 29) or cleft closure (n = 26) under local anesthetic. The primary end point was time to healing. Patients were followed up for a median of 3 years (range, .7-4 y).


RESULTS
After Bascom's simple surgery, 5 of 29 patients did not heal and proceeded to cleft closure. The remaining patients healed at a median of 4 weeks (range, 3-35 wk). After cleft closure, 21 of 26 wounds healed primarily on removal of sutures at 10 to 13 days. The remaining 5 wounds healed at a median of 4.5 weeks (range, 2-5 wk). Fifty of 55 (91%) patients were contacted for follow-up evaluation, disease recurrence occurred in 2 of 24 after Bascom's simple surgery and in 0 of 26 after cleft closure.


CONCLUSIONS
Cleft closure offers more predictable healing than Bascom's simple surgery, with less need for re-operation. Disease recurrence is more prevalent after Bascom's simple surgery.
Nordon
Ian M
IM
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth, UK. inordon@doctors.org.uk
Senapati
Asha
A
Cripps
Neil P J
NP
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010864:Pilonidal Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome