Lay open versus methylene blue injection for identification of side branches in pilonidal sinus: A prospective controlled study

Hamed, Mohamed K.F.; El Azazy, Mohamed; Mohsen, Sherief M.

doi:10.4103/ejs.ejs_205_22

Lay open versus methylene blue injection for identification of side branches in pilonidal sinus: A prospective controlled study

Authors

Abstract

Background
Pilonidal sinus is a common disease with high recurrence rate mostly due to residual unexcised side branches. As a result, methylene blue is injected in the sinus at the time of surgical excision.
Patients and methods
A total of 40 patients were recruited for the proposed techniques of complete lay-open of all branches before excision and methylene blue dye injected at the start of the operation. The excised specimens were examined for the accuracy of both techniques to delineate all sinus tracts.
Results
Unstained side branches could be excised when using the preliminary lay-open technique.
Conclusion
Lay-open technique is feasible with better postoperative outcome when compared with the current methylene blue injection technique in cases of pilonidal disease.

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