Excision with undermining skin flaps for primary closure of pilonidal disease on Redivac without tension

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of General Surgery, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a chronic infection-related inflammatory illness causing anxiety, confusion, and affecting productivity due to skin and subcutaneous tissue inflammation.
Aim and objectives: The objective is to assess the efficacy of performing simple excision of tissue followed by undermining of skin flaps on both sides followed by secure closure using a redivac (closed suction drain). This study aims to evaluate the impact of this procedure on operating and healing time, length of hospital stays, occurrence of postoperative problems, and rate of recurrence.
Patients and methods: This research was conducted on 40 cases suffering from pilonidal sinus with an age varying between eighteen to thirty-nine years underwent excision, undermining of skin flaps on both sides and tension-free primary closure on redivac.
Results: According to wound healing, 33 patients (82.5%) had complete healing, 6 patients (15%) had partial healing, and 1 patient (2.5%) had no healing. According to satisfaction, 37 patients (92.5%) were satisfied, and 3 patients (7.5%) weren’t satisfied. According to complications, 31 patients (77.5%) had no complication, 4 patients (10%) had wound infection, 2 patients (5%) had recurrence, 3 patients (7.5%) had hematoma, and 2 patients (5%) had seroma.
Conclusion: The use of a Redivac drain after undermining of skin flaps on both sides proved to be a successful and beneficial therapy for the primary closure of pilonidal sinus. It resulted in optimal wound healing with minimal complication rates. The effectiveness of the Redivac drain also led to a high level of case satisfaction.

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