Electrocauterization in the treatment of pilonidal sinus.

In view of the morbidity and recurrence rates associated with the various current techniques adopted for the treatment of pilonidal sinus, sinus electrocauterization (EC) was practiced in 18 patients. The results were compared with those obtained after excision operation in another 18 patients. The 2 groups were matched for age, gender and follow-up. Entry criteria comprised non-recurrent quiescent pilonidal sinus. In the EC group, the sinus tracks were laid-open, the debris removed and sinus walls cauterized. In the excision group, the sinus tracks were excised and the wound was left open. Patients were followed up for a mean of 29.6 months. Of the EC group, healing was achieved in 16 patients after the 1st cauterization and in 2 after recauterization. 15 cases of excision group were cured; sinus re-excision was performed in 3 patients in 2 of whom healing was accomplished. The technique of EC compared favourably with the other conventional techniques in terms of recurrence rate. In addition, it is simple, easy, has no complications and is performed as an outpatient procedure.