Closed Technique with Suction Drain versus Partial Closure Technique in Midline Repair of Pilonidal Sinus: A Comparative Study

Background: Pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a common disorder that mainly affects young adults. It can be asymptomatic or presented by discomfort, inflammation, abscess or sinus formation. Despite current advances in surgical techniques, the best option to treat PNS is not yet well defined. Many studies reported techniques that involved excision of the sinus and closure of the deep and superficial layers but leaving the skin open. Aim: We aim to compare between the excision and primary midline closure with suction drain versus the partial closure technique as treatment options for PNS in terms of recovery, wound complications and recurrence rate. Patients and Methods: A prospective comparative study at Ain Shams University Hospitals that included 80 patients with PNS was conducted from January 2018 to June 2019. They were divided randomly into group A; 40 patients that had the midline closed method with suction drain and group B; 40 patients that underwent the partial closure technique. Both groups were followed up for 1 year, detecting healing time, wound complications, return to usual activities and recurrence rate. Results: We detected significant differences between both groups as regards to pain and discomfort postoperatively, favoring the partial closure group. Mean time to wound healing was significantly shorter among group A (14.43 ± 3.13) though mean time of return to usual activities was faster among the partial closure group (14.45 ± 1.15). There were no statistically significant differences between both groups as regards to wound infection, dehiscence or hematoma formation. Wound seroma was more among group A. Conclusion: The partial midline closure technique showed comparable results to the closed method with suction drain in management of PNS disease. Indeed, it shows less postoperative complications and a faster return to usual daily activity. Yet, more studies are required to demonstrate its reproducibility.