Recurrent pilonidal sinus after excision with closed or open treatment: final result of a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the recurrence rate of chronic pilonidal sinus after excision and primary suture compared with open excision and healing by second intention.

DESIGN: Randomised trial.

SETTING: Teaching hospital, Norway.

SUBJECTS: 120 Patients treated between 1987 and 1989.

INTERVENTIONS: 60 Patients were treated by excision and primary suture and 60 by open excision. The median follow-up period was 4.2 years.

RESULTS: Recurrent pilonidal sinus was seen in six patients (10%) after primary suture compared with three patients (5%) after open treatment (p = 0.49); 57 (95%) and 55 (92%), respectively, were satisfied with the outcome of treatment at follow-up (p = 0.72).

CONCLUSION: Excision and primary suture compares favourably with open excision and healing by second intention in the treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus.