ABSTRACT

To compare the results of pilonidal sinus repair techniques using crystallized phenol after a minimal excision and flap repair.

Patients who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2014 at Health Sciences University Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Training and Research Hospital were enrolled in the study. Patients who underwent flap repairs with complete excision (group A; n=100) were compared with patients who were treated with minimal excision and crystallized phenol (group B; n=100) in terms of demographic data, postoperative early complication, duration of hospitalization, wound healing time, return-to-work times, recurrence rates, and late complications.

In group A, 45 (45%) patients had a history of abscess, and 16 (16%) patients had recurrence. In group B, 35 (35%) patients had a history of abscess, and 18 (18%) patients had recurrence. The mean time periods between the first symptom and presentation to the clinic were 6 and 7 months, respectively, and the median follow-up durations were 44 and 34 months, respectively. The mean duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in group B (1.1 days) than in group A (3.7 days) (p<0.0001). The duration of postoperative wound healing was significantly shorter in group B (10.1 days) than in group A (18.9 days) (p<0.0001). The return-to-work time was significantly shorter in group B (6.4 days) than in group A (19.2 days) (p<0.0001).

Crystallized phenol application following minimal surgical excision was found to be better than complete excision in flap procedures in terms of duration of wound healing, hospitalization, and return-to-work and late complications (numbness, poor esthetics).

Keywords: Crystallized phenol in pilonidal sinus, flap repair, pilonidal sinus