Chronic Pilonidal Disease Research Articles

Surgical treatment of pilonidal disease - Short-term follow up results of minimally invasive pit-picking surgery versus radical excision without suturing: A prospective randomised trial

BackgroundIn this study we compared the potential benefits of surgical treatments for chronic symptomatic pilonidal disease (PD) - minimally invasive pit-picking surgery and radical excision without wound suturing. Materials and methodsA total of 100 adult patients with chronic symptomatic PD were enrolled in this study at the Kaunas Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. They were randomly divided into two groups: pit-picking surgery (n = 50) and radical excision with open healing (n = 50). Recurrent PD patients were not excluded. The comparison of the techniques was based on pain within the first postoperative week, failed surgery rates, and wound healing time. Additionally, pain levels at different time intervals following the treatment, analgesic consumption, and time off work, were assessed and compared. ResultsA total of 89 patients (89 %) were available for follow-up after 6 months. Pain levels the first postoperative week were significantly lower in the pit-picking group compared to the radical excision group, with median scores of 10.0 and 20.0, respectively (p = 0.002). The complete wound healing time was longer in the radical excision group (60 days) versus the pit-picking group (17 days), with a significant difference noted (p = 0.00). No significant difference was observed between the type of surgery and the rate of failed surgery, with 5 (11.9 %) cases in the pit-picking group and 4 (8.5 %) in the radical excision group. ConclusionBased on our short-term findings, minimally invasive pit-picking surgery is a better option regarding pain, wound healing time and failed surgery rate. In cases where this approach is not suitable, other alternatives should be contemplated, as radical surgery without wound suturing should not be employed as a treatment method for PD. Additionally, the relationship between PD and recurrence rates should be investigated further.

Pilonidal sinus: an overview of historical and current management modalities.

Pilonidal disease is a common condition that commonly affects the younger adult population and is often seen in both the general practice and the hospital setting. Multiple treatment methods have gained and lost popularity over the last several decades, but more recent intervention principles show promising results. This article details the different methods of managing acute and chronic pilonidal disease ranging from treatments in the primary care setting to those in hospital theatres, with special attention to newer modalities of minimally invasive interventions. As a chronic illness that often affects those of working age, pilonidal disease can confer significant morbidity especially, but not limited to, a substantial amount of time off work. Treatment of chronic disease in particular, has evolved from midline techniques to off-midline techniques, with more recent developments offering promising solutions to reduce acute flare ups and hasten recovery time.

Kamaszkori sinus pilonidalis: a localis kezeléstől a lebenyelforgatásig

The treatment of pilonidal disease (PD) is often challenging, due to the frequent recurrences and adverse events. The risk factors are well known: obesity, male sex, hairy sacral region, inactivity, inadequate hygiene. To diagnose the PD the physical examination is enough. The acute form is a local imflammation in the sacral region (cellulitis or abscess) and the chronic one can be “sacral pit(s)” or fistula(s). In case of abscess the local therapy with antibiotics or “off-midline” incision can be the best solution. In chronic PD the most important is to reduce the risk factors: weight control, epilation, to enhance the physical activity and local hygiene. If surgery cannot be avoid, the minimally invasive one must be chosen at first (trephination, PEPSiT). In case of complications, recurrence more complicated surgeries can be performed (ie. flap rotation). The surgery itself is not sufficient, the postoperative care (ie. hygiene, epilation) must be adequate.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Pilonidal Disease

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Pilonidal Disease

Outcomes of Laser-Assisted Closure (SiLaC) Surgery for Chronic Pilonidal Sinus Disease.

Background: Management of pilonidal sinus (PNS) disease has changed notably in the past decade, with the introduction of novel surgical techniques and technological innovation. In this study, we summarized our initial experience with sinus laser-assisted closure (SiLaC) of pilonidal disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery combined with laser therapy for PNS between September 2018 and December 2020 was performed. Patients' demographics, clinical and perioperative data, as well postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 92 patients (86 males, 93.4%) underwent SiLaC surgery for pilonidal sinus disease during the study period. Patients' median age was 22 (range 16-62 years), and 60.8% of them previously underwent abscess drainage due to PNS. SiLaC was performed under local anesthesia in 85.7% of cases (78 patients) with a median energy of 1081 J (range 13-5035 J). One patient was lost to follow-up, leaving 91 patients for final analysis. The primary outcome was complete healing rate, standing at 81.3% (74/91 patients). In 8 patients (8.8%), there was minor incomplete healing that did not require reintervention. Recurrent/nonhealing disease was seen in 9 patients (9.9%), requiring reoperation in 7 patients (8.4%). Of those, 4 patients underwent repeat SiLaC and 3 patients underwent wide excision. Analysis of risk factors for PNS recurrence demonstrated that general anesthesia (P = .02) was associated with increased risk for recurrence along with a trend for increased risk in patients with significant hairiness (P = .078). No differences were seen in age (P = .621), gender (P = .475), median sinus length (P = .397), and energy used (P = .904). Conclusion: Primary healing rate after SiLaC surgery for chronic PNS was >80% in our series. Ten percent of patients did not achieve complete healing but did not require surgery due to lack of symptoms.

Pilonidal disease: A new look at an old disease

Pilonidal disease is a very common affliction that affects mainly young, hirsute, obese males during their young adult years of life. Previous etiological theories of this ailment centred on congenital causes. The current understanding is that pilonidal disease is an acquired affliction. Some patients, however, may have confounding hereditary tendencies to form pilonidal disease. There is a myriad of methods of treatment for chronic pilonidal disease. Such treatments vary from the creation of large skin flaps to simple instillation of chemicals into the sinuses. No single technique is favoured by every surgeon and each technique has its ardent supporters. The current favoured treatments however, are toward the use of the less invasive options compared to the large extensive flaps. Favoured options include minimally invasive techniques as well as simple lay open and marsupialisation. No proposed classification system for the assessment of severity of pilonidal disease has correlated disease severity with treatment options. Therefore, no classification system is in widespread use by the surgical community. Post-operative supportive management, especially in the early post-operative period, and laser hair epilation after the initial healing phase, have some usefulness in the overall treatment of pilonidal disease.

Surgery for uncomplicated pilonidal disease: simpler is better

Chronic pilonidal disease continues to be a therapeutic challenge. Discrepancies in technique, recurrence rates, complications, time to return to work/school, and patient's aesthetic satisfaction between the various treatment options have led to controversy over the best approach. It is undeniable that the best technique should strike a balance between recurrence and surgical morbidity. Despite the plethora of various complex surgical options, it seems that one of the oldest and simplest methods such as incision and curettage can balance the various desirable outcomes without excessive morbidity. In this manuscript, we review the literature and the evidence supporting this surgical procedure. We conclude that incision and curettage should be considered as the initial option for most patients with chronic uncomplicated pilonidal disease, and that more complex surgical options should be reserved for severe and recurrent cases.

Can the recurrence rate of open pilonidal sinus surgery be reduced by preventing premature epithelialization

Background and objective: Many surgical options are known to treat chronic pilonidal sinus disease; the procedure that has the least recurrence rate is the open method. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding one step in management, on the recurrence rate of the same procedure. Methods: This is a prospective study, started at 1st Feb. 2018; the last data collection was at 31 Jan. 2020. Thirt-eight patients included in the study, all were suffering from chronic sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease. Sinus excision and lying open the wound to heal by secondary intention is the procedure that is adopted.At time of follow up, frequent separation of wound edges and breaking of any premature bridging of skin at the excision site, were adopted, local anesthesia was needed in 7 patients. Results: The recurrence rate for lying open the wound to heal by secondary intention is significantly reduced from (8-21%) to (2.63%) by adding one step in management during the follow up period, this step involved the frequent separation of wound edges and breaking of any premature bridging of skin even if local anesthesia is needed. Conclusion: Preventing premature bridging of wound skin after surgical excision of pilonidal sinus can significantly reduce the recurrence rate of the procedure

Bilateral Gluteal Fasciocutaneous Advancement Flaps With and Without Tie-Over Sutures in Treatment of Chronic Pilonidal Disease: A Prospective Case Series.

Flap procedures following pilonidal excision have high recurrence and dehiscence rates. We present a cosmetic, outpatient technique to reconstruction via bilateral gluteal fasciocutaneous advancement flaps with and without tie-over sutures. This is a prospective case series of 51 patients (40 males and 11 females). Following elliptical excision of pilonidal disease, gluteal fasciocutaneous advancement flaps were elevated circumferentially using blunt, discontinuous dissection, and a multilayered closure was performed. The resulting scar was midline. Thirty-five patients (68.6%) also had two full-thickness, compressing sutures tied over rolled up gauze. Patients had a mean age of 28.2 and body mass index of 26.8. Eight (15.9%) were smokers and 11 (21.6%) were obese. At a mean follow-up of 38.7months, there were no recurrences and 19 (37.3%) patients had wound dehiscence. There was no significant difference in dehiscence between patients with and without tie-over sutures (31.4% vs 50%, P = 0.20). There was no significant difference in dehiscence between smokers and non-smokers, (62.5% vs 41.9%, P = 0.47), or between obese and non-obese patients (36.4% vs 46.3%, P = 0.51). Obese patients with tie-over sutures had significantly less dehiscence compared to obese patients without tie-over sutures (14% vs 75%, P = 0.03). Bilateral gluteal fasciocutaneous advancement flap with consideration of tie-over sutures is an outpatient treatment for chronic pilonidal disease with resultant midline scar and with no recurrence in our series.

Excision and suture in the midline versus Karydakis flap surgery for pilonidal sinus: randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundThere are several surgical options for the management of pilonidal disease, including midline and off midline closure, but prospective studies are rare. The study hypothesis was that Karydakis flap surgery would result in shorter wound healing and fewer recurrences than excision of pilonidal sinus and suture in the midline.MethodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted in two hospitals in Sweden between 2006 and 2015 to compare excision and suture in the midline with Karydakis flap surgery. Adult patients with a chronic pilonidal sinus disease were randomized 1:1 at the outpatient clinic without blinding. Power calculation based on recurrence of 2 per cent for Karydakis flap and 10 per cent for excision and primary closure in the midline required 400 patients with 90 per cent statistical power at 5 per cent significance assuming 10 per cent loss during follow-up. Participants were followed up until complete wound healing; late follow-up after 6–13 years was performed by telephone by two blinded assessors. The two co-primary outcomes were time to complete wound healing and recurrence rate.ResultsThe study was terminated early at a planned interim analysis due slow recruitment and a significant difference in primary outcome. In total, 125 patients were randomized, of whom 116 were available for the present analysis. Median wound healing time was 49 days (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 32 to 66) for excision with suture in the midline and 14 days (95 per cent c.i. 12 to 20) for Karydakis flap surgery (P < 0.001). There were five recurrences in each group, after a median follow-up of 11 years (P = 0.753).ConclusionKarydakis flap surgery for pilonidal sinus disease led to a shorter wound healing time than excision and suture in the midline but no difference in recurrence rates.Registration number: NCT00412659 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)

Limberg Flap Versus Primary Midline Wound Closure in Treatment of Chronic Pilonidal Sinus Disease

Objective: Current study aims to compare the Limberg flap technique with primary midline wound closure to treat the chronic pilonidal sinus disease. Study design: A comparative study was done in Surgery Department Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from January 2020 to September 2021 Method: The sample size for the study is 60 patients who were regularly visiting the hospital due to PS disease. All the patients were divided into two groups A and B. Group A had 30 patients treated with the Limberg flap method and group B had 30 patients treated with primary midline wound closure. Before starting the treatment a brief description of the treatment was given to all patients and consent was signed from all participants. The final decision for treatment was decided by the team of senior surgeons as well as with help of the patient's own choice. Limberg flap and primary midline wound closure (PMC) were applied to patients who regularly followed the instruction for chronic pilonidal sinus treatment. Primary midline closure was applied on patients who had a cosmetic concern and did not have a recurrence problem. Results: Total 60 patients were divided into two groups, Group A (Limberg flap) had 30 patients in which 25 (83%) were males and 5 (16.6%) females. The mean age for this group was 25 ± 5.00 years. The patients without a previous history of pilonidal sinus disease (primary case) was 17 (56.6%) and the recurrence case was 13 (14.3%). Group B (primary midline wound closure) had 30 patients in which 18 (60%) were males and 12 (40%) females. The mean age for this group was 28 ± 3.00 years. The patient without a previous history of pilonidal sinus disease (primary case) was 28 (93.3%) and the recurrence case was 2 (6.6%). The comparison of 3rd-week outcomes shows that in group A 25 (83,3%) patients had painless walking, 23 (76.6%) patients start their routine work and 26 (86.6%) patients had treatment satisfaction. In group B 21 (70%) patients reported painless walking, 18 (60%) patients started their routine activity and 22 (73.3%) patients shows satisfaction with treatment. Conclusion: Hence we concluded that a better improvement percentage was measured high in group A (Limberg flap) than group B (PMC). Therefore limberg flap is better technique to treat the chronic pilonidal sinus disease. Keywords: chronic Pilonidal Sinus, primary midline wound closure (PMC), Limberg flap

The comparison of short-term results of marsupialization method in operated patients with acute pilonidal abscess and chronic pilonidal sinus.

This study aimed to compare the short term results of the marsupialization method for the treatment of patients with acute pilonidal abscess and chronic pilonidal sinus disease treated in single step and to investigate the feasibility of final pilonidal sinus treatment in single step in patients with pilonidal abscess. A total of 58 patients who were operated on using the marsupialization method were included in this study. Patients with acute pilonidal abscess were included in Group 1 (23 patients) and those with chronic pilonidal sinus disease were included in Group 2 (35 patients). Pilonidal sinus was excised as a whole by a vertical elliptic incision, with some surrounding intact tissue. After excision, the wound edges were sutured to the postsacral fascia. Daily dressings were performed by relatives at home. The patients were instructed to visit the hospital for follow-up 1-2 times a week. Student's t-test was used to compare the parameters between the groups. The mean wound length was 73.4 and 61.7 mm in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The mean duration of wound closure was 59.3 and 54.1 days in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, operation time, hospital stay, and duration of wound closure; however, wound length was significantly shorter in Group 2 than in Group 1. The definitive treatment of acute pilonidal abscess can be achieved in single step by using marsupialization method as well as in patients with chronic pilonidal disease.

Laser treatment of pilonidal disease: a systematic review.

Pilonidal disease (PD) is a common condition, and there is still an ongoing debate on ideal management that should be minimally invasive, safe, and efficient. The use of radially emitting laser in the treatment of chronic PD is a novel minimally invasive technique, and initial studies with a small number of patients showed promising results. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of chronic PD treatment with a laser using a systematic review of the published literature. A systematic review was conducted after PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database search for studies reporting laser treatment of chronic PD. Also, our unpublished prospective single-center study was included in this review. Ten of 87 studies were eligible for the review, including 971 patients. The median age of the patients was 26 (range 13-68), and the median operative time was 26 (range 6-65) min. With a median follow-up of 12 (range 7-25) months, 917 (94.4%) patients achieved primary healing with a weighted mean recurrence rate of 3.8%. The weighted mean complication rate was 10% (95% CI 5.7-14.3%, I2 = 82.28, p < 0.001), and all were minor. The published literature demonstrates that laser treatment is a promising procedure in the management of chronic PD. Furthermore, the review showed that standardized operative techniques and perioperative steps were used. The results were limited to the mild chronic PD. Classification of PD severity and standardized outcome reporting is required to define indications and contraindications for laser PD treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and superiority of laser treatment over other methods.

German National Guideline on the management of pilonidal disease: update 2020.

BackgroundThe present German National Guideline is an updated version of previous Guideline published in 2014. It aims to compare various treatment methods and to assist physicians with evidence-based recommendations.MethodsSystemic literature review.ResultsThree types of disease manifestation could be differentiated: asymptomatic disease, an acute abscess, and the chronic pilonidal disease. At present, there is no treatment method fulfilling all desired criteria: simple, painless procedure associated with rapid wound healing, and low recurrence rate. Thus, treatment modality should be tailored to disease manifestation and extent.ConclusionAsymptomatic pilonidal disease should not be treated. A pilonidal abscess should be unroofed. After resolution of the acute inflammation, the disease should be treated definitely. As for today, sinus excision is the standard treatment of the chronic pilonidal disease. Wide excision and open treatment of chronic disease is a safe procedure which, however, leads to prolonged secondary healing and time off-work, as well as to considerable recurrence rate. The extent of excision should be as limited as possible. Excision and midline wound closure is associated with impaired outcomes. Today, it has become obsolete. Minimally invasive procedures (e.g., pit picking surgery) represent a treatment option for chronic pilonidal disease. However, the recurrence rate is higher compared to excision procedures. Nevertheless, they may be used for small primary disease. Off-midline procedures should be used for disease not suitable for minimally invasive treatments. The Limberg flap and the Karydakis procedure are two best described methods which are associated with similar short- and long-term results.

Laying Open and Curettage under Local Anesthesia to Treat Pilonidal Sinus: Long-Term Follow-Up in 111 Consecutively Operated Patients.

(1) Background: Several techniques for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) are in vogue, though none have emerged as the gold standard. Laying open (deroofing) and curettage under local anesthesia is one of the most straightforward procedures to treat PSD. In this study, the long-term follow-up in a large series was analyzed. (2) Methods: The laying open approach was performed for all types of consecutive PSD patients—simple, complicated, and abscess. The primary outcome parameter of the study was the healing rate. The secondary outcome parameters were operating time, hospital stay, time to resumption of normal work, and healing time. (3) Results: 111 (M/F–92/19, mean age-22.9 ± 5.7 years) consecutive patients were operated on and followed for 38 months (6–111 months). Of these, 24 had pilonidal abscesses, 87 had chronic pilonidal disease, while 22 had recurrent disease. Operating time and hospital stay were 24 ± 7 min and 66 ± 23 min, respectively. On average, patients could resume normal work in 3.6 ± 2.9 days and the healing time was 43.8 ± 7.4 days. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Complete resolution of the disease occurred in 104/108 (96.3%) patients, while 4 (3.7%) had a recurrence. One recurrence was due to a missed tract, while three recurrences presented after complete healing had occurred. Two patients with recurrence were operated on again with the same procedure, and both healed completely. Thus, the overall success rate of this procedure was 98.1% (106/108) with a recurrence rate after first surgery of 3.7% over a median follow-up of 38 months. (4) Conclusions: Pilonidal disease managed by laying open (deroofing) with curettage under local anesthesia is associated with a high cure rate. This procedure is effective in treating all kinds of pilonidal disease (simple, complicated, and abscess).

Pilonidal sinus: is histological examination necessary?

Pilonidal sinus is a common pathology occurring in a number of sites including the gluteal cleft between the buttocks. Surgery is the principal mode of treatment with a variety of techniques proposed to cure the disease and prevent recurrence. The rate of malignant degeneration is estimated at 0.1% in patients with chronic pilonidal disease. A case series study of pilonidal sinus found that most patients with malignancy were over the age of 50 years and had had chronic pilonidal disease for several years. This study aimed to review the value of histological analysis of pilonidal sinus specimens. A retrospective observational study was conducted of all patients who have undergone pilonidal sinus excision by the Department of General Surgery at Counties Manukau District Health Board in the past 10 years. This study reviewed 1324 admissions with a pilonidal disease requiring surgical management. There were 325 pilonidal resections with 320 histological specimens analysed. Pilonidal sinus was detected in 312 specimens, eight others were benign and there were no specimens with malignancy. No cases of malignancy were found in all pilonidal specimens that were sent for histological review. Routine histological examination of pilonidal sinus specimens appears to be unnecessary; however, it should be considered in patients over the age of 50 years.

Treatment Strategies for Pilonidal Sinus Disease in Switzerland and Austria.

Background and objective: No current nationwide consensus exists on pilonidal disease (PD) treatment in Switzerland and Austria. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the spectrum of PD treatment strategies in Switzerland and Austria. Materials and Methods: A survey including 196 certified institutions (Switzerland, N = 99 and Austria, N = 97) was performed. Treatment strategies for both chronic and acute pilonidal disease were investigated, as well as evolution of treatment over the last 20 years. Results: In total, 92 of 196 (47%) hospitals participated in the survey. Recurrence rate (20%) was similar between the two countries. In acute pilonidal disease, a two-stage approach with incision and drainage as the first step was preferred over a one-stage procedure in both countries. In Austria, all patients with chronic pilonidal disease were treated as inpatients, whereas 28% of patients in Switzerland were treated on an outpatient basis (p = 0.0019). Median length of hospital stay was double in Austria (four days) compared to Switzerland (two days; p < 0.001). Primary resection and off-midline closure (p = 0.017) and the use of tissue flaps (p = 0.023) were performed more commonly in Austria than in Switzerland. Minimally invasive techniques were performed more often in Switzerland than in Austria (52% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Overall, wide excision with secondary wound healing or midline closures declined over the last 20 years. Conclusion: Treatment strategies for chronic PD differ between Austria and Switzerland with more and longer inpatient care in Austria, increasingly minimally invasive approaches in Switzerland, and outdated procedures still being performed in both countries. Overall, heterogeneity of practice dominates in both countries.

Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Chronic Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Cyst: A Case Report

Introduction: Pilonidal disease is a chronic inflammatory process resulting from impaction of natal cleft hair into the subcutaneous tissues creating an abscess or a draining sinus over the sacrococcygeal area. Malignant transformation occurs in around 0.1%, mainly into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) type. Wide excision with tumor-free margins remains the treatment of choice. Multiple closure techniques were settled and the best one ought to be chosen in a context malignancy and future radiological treatment. Case Presentation: We describe the management of a case of a 69-year-old male with chronic pilonidal disease, recurrent after 25 years found on final pathology to undergo malignant transformation into SCC. Wide and aggressive excision were performed with new margins and with periosteal excision of the sacrum and coccyx. rotational myocutaneous gluteal flap was done for closure of the wound in order to ensure better satisfactory esthetic results without a delay in future treatment. Conclusion: The progression of a chronic pilonidal disease into SCC is a rare but serious complication. The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsies. Workup for metastasis should be made before aggressive surgical excision. Oncoplastic surgeries is recommended for satisfactory results. Routine follow-up postoperatively should be considered due to high rate of recurrence by physical examination and imaging.

Pilonidal Sinus Surgery with Mechanical Drilling Technique

Back ground; Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common condition affecting young and middle-aged adults. Most commonly seen in men, it has significant economic implications and is associated with discomfort and inability to work. Men are thought to be at higher risk because of their more hirsute nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of “Mechanical drilling technique” as a new approach in pilonidal sinus disease treatment. Materials and methods; From January 2017 to February 2019, 30 patients were treated for PSD in our center. All patients referred to our center with chronic pilonidal disease in the natal cleft were enrolled with no age or sex limitations and operation previously. After spinal anesthesia, all patients underwent operation in the prone position. Mechanical drilling was performed using drilling trephine apparatus number 368. Smaller pits were distructed using trephine number 859. Results; 30 patients were operated using this technique. The mean operating time was 15 min. Recurrence was observed in only one patient (3.33%). Wound healing time varied from 7 to 21 days. All patients were operated under spinal anesthesia and discharged after 4 hours. The maximum cosmetic satisfaction rate was 90%. Conclusion; Mechanical drilling Technique is an effective Minimally invasive technique for the treatment of PSD with very low recurrence and comparable rate, and hospital stay compared with excision and primary closure techniques.

Comparison of 'Excision and Primary Repair' with 'Bascom's Technique' in the Surgical Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus.

IntroductionThe management of the chronic pilonidal disease is variable and the principles of treatment are aimed to eradicate the sinus tract, promote wound healing, prevent disease recurrence, and improve the quality of life of the patient. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of excision and primary closure, and Bascom’s technique in the management of pilonidal sinus disease.Methods The study was performed at a tertiary hospital from April to October 2011. All patients with chronic pilonidal sinus were included in the study (n=60) and randomly allocated into Group A - undergoing excision and primary closure (n=30) and Group B - undergoing Bascom’s repair. Comparative outcomes of interest were duration of hospital admission, post-operative pain, wound infection, wound-healing and disease recurrence. ResultsThe mean age of presentation was 24.18±5.6 years. A higher number of patients in Group A were discharged within 24 hours compared to Group B (p = 0.001). Group B had significantly less post-operative pain by the first postoperative week (p = 0.049). Group B had lower infection rates with clean wounds observed in 28 (93.3%) patients compared to 23 (76.7%) in Group A by the first postoperative week (p = 0.07). Recurrence rate during 12-week follow-up was observed in one (3.3%) patient in Group B, and five (16.7%) in Group A (p= 0.085).ConclusionsPatients who underwent Bascom's operation had less postoperative pain, lower infection rates and disease recurrence, and better wound healing. Therefore, in our patient cohort, we conclude Bascom’s repair appears to be superior to primary excision and repair in reducing patient morbidity.