Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment: An Effective Procedure for Children with Recurrent Pilonidal Sinus Disease after Failed Open Surgery

Background: The traditional open excision of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is associated with a painful postoperative course and high recurrence rates. We recently published our technique of pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT). We aimed to report our long-term outcome including using PEPSiT for recurrent PSD after failed open repair. Methods: All patients with recurrent PSD after open excision who underwent PEPSiT in our unit over the past 2 years were included in the study. During surgery a fistuloscope was introduced through the fistula's orifice. All identifiable hairs were removed using endoscopic forceps. Thereafter, the cavity was debrided with endobrush and ablated with monopolar electrode. External openings were not closed. Results: In the past 2 years, 40 patients with PSD underwent PEPSiT. Ten of 40 patients (6 boys and 4 girls with an average age of 16.8 years [range = 14-18]) had recurrent PSD after open surgery and were included in the study. The average operative time was 27.7 minutes (range = 24-43). No perioperative complications occurred. The average analgesic requirement was 20 hours (range = 16-26) and the average hospitalization was 22.4 hours (range = 18-36). The average time to return to full daily activities was 2.3 days (range = 1-5) and all patients were highly satisfied of postoperative course. At 1 month postoperatively, the external openings were completely healed. No recurrence was recorded at a mean follow-up of 18 months (range = 6-24). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that PEPSiT is an excellent technique for surgical treatment of PSD in children and teenagers. In fact, it is technically easy and fast to perform, with a short and painless hospital stay and it allows to the operated patients an early return to full daily activities without any physical limitations compared with open repair. In addition, it is also effective for treatment of recurrent PSD after failed open repair.