Surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus with a fasciocutaneous rotation flap based on an inferior pedicle

Pilonidal sinus is a common disorder of the sacrococcygeal region and several surgical treatments have been described. However, rates of recurrences and complications vary, so there is no consensus on one specific approach. In this prospective study from 1 August 2000 to 1 August 2003, 60 patients with pilonidal sinus were treated by our new surgical technique. All patients were operated on by the first author or under his supervision. A vertical elliptical excision was made, and the defect repaired by a fasciocutaneous rotation flap based on the inferior pedicle under general anaesthesia. All patients were discharged from hospital on the first postoperative day. By the 12th day, the wound had healed completely. There were no recurrences during one years' follow-up. Postoperative pain was negligible and the scar was cosmetically acceptable. The inferiorly-based rotation flap is an ideal technique for treatment of pilonidal sinus, cures the disease, has low recurrence rates, little postoperative pain, and few complications. Stay in hospital was short and patients returned to their regular activities in a short time.