Sacrococcygeal local anesthesia versus spinal anesthesia for pilonidal sinus surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study

Background Spinal anesthesia is the most common anesthetic technique applied for patients undergoing surgery for pilonidal disease. However, it has multiple disadvantages like hypotension and headache. This prospective study was designed to compare the outcomes of sacrococcygeal local anesthesia technique versus spinal anesthesia for surgical treatment of patients with pilonidal disease. Patients and methods The included 220 patients diagnosed with the pilonidal disease were assigned into two groups according to the method of anesthesia, the spinal and local groups. The primary outcome was pain score, whereas other outcomes included duration of stay in the operative theater, recovery room, postoperative opioid consumption, time to first analgesic request, complications, and patient satisfaction. Results Age and sex distribution showed no significant difference between the two groups. Time spent inside the operative room and total hospital stay showed a significant decrease in the local group. Postoperative pain was statistically comparable between our groups, apart from the six-hour reading, which was higher in the local group. The spinal group showed superior analgesic outcomes regarding the first analgesic request and total opioid consumption. Likewise, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the same group. Postoperative nausea was more encountered in the local group. Conclusion When compared with spinal anesthesia, sacrococcygeal local anesthesia seems to have a weaker analgesic profile manifested in increased opioid requirements and earlier rescue analgesia. However, it is associated with comparable pain scores, less operative time, and shorter hospitalization.