ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
To investigate the success rate of crystalline phenol application in primary and recurrent pilonidal sinus disease and compare the healing and non-healing groups.
METHODS:
Patients with a diagnosis of pilonidal sinus disease who were treated with crystalline phenol application were examined. The demographic data of the patients (age and gender), the main symptoms, duration of complaints, previous operations due to pilonidal sinus, number of phenol applications, recovery time, follow-up duration, complications and recurrence of the disease were evaluated retrospectively. The phenol application was performed under local anesthesia in all cases. The pit of the sinuses were expanded by clamp and hair and debris were cleared within the sinus. Pit edge of the pit was protected by nitrofurazone ointment and the sinus is filled with crystalline phenol by the clamps. The process is terminated with suitable dressing.
RESULTS:
76 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of pilonidal sinus treated with crystalline phenol application in Marmara University Pendik Training and Research hospital General Surgery Clinic between January 2013 and July 2014. 90% of patients were male (n=68) and the median age was 27 (12-67) respectively. The median duration of complaints was 5 (1-120) months. We noted that 15 patients (20%) had history of previous pilonidal surgery. The median number of phenol application was 1 (1-3) and the application is made once to the majority of patients. Median follow-up was 16 (4-23) months. 85% of complete recovery was determined in the control examination. There were no statistically significant difference between healed and unhealed groups in terms of age, sex, disease duration, number of applications, previous operation history, and follow-up time. Phenol application success rate was 79% in the recurrent pilonidal sinus cases.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
In this study, we showed that the application of crystalline phenol is a successful treatment method for pilonidal sinus disease.
