title: Fibrin glue in the treatment for pilonidal sinus: high patient satisfaction and rapid return to normal activities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pilonidal sinus is a common condition often managed with invasive surgery associated with a significant morbidity and often a prolonged recovery time. Fibrin glue has been used in our institution as an alternative to conventional surgery. The purpose of this study was to perform a service evaluation of patient satisfaction and recovery following fibrin glue treatment for pilonidal sinus.
  
  
  METHODS
  All pilonidal glue procedures for a single surgeon were identified from theatre and consultant diary records from March 2007 to September 2011. A questionnaire was sent by post to all patients. Patient satisfaction, time to return to normal activities, the need for further procedures and whether they would recommend a glue procedure to a friend were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-three patients were identified, accounting for a total of 119 glue procedures and 57/93 responses were received (61 %). The median age of respondents was 26 (17-70) years. Seventy-nine per cent (n = 45) were satisfied, pleased or very pleased with the result of their procedure. Fifty-four per cent (n = 31) were back to normal activities within a week with a further 17 % (n = 10) back to normal activities within 2 weeks. Seventy-four per cent (n = 42) required no further treatment. Of the 15 patients requiring a further procedure, 3 went on to have a repeat glue treatment which resulted in complete healing. Eighty-two per cent (n = 47) would recommend a glue procedure to a friend.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fibrin gluing for pilonidal sinus should be considered as first-line treatment for most pilonidal sinuses. It has a high level of patient satisfaction and allows a rapid return to normal activities in this group of patients of working age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK. elizabeth.elsey@nhs.net
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elsey
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Lund
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010864:Pilonidal Sinus / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D014014:Tissue Adhesives