Abstract: Bascom's operation in the day-surgical management of symptomatic pilonidal sinus.

Authors:

Senapati A, Cripps NP, Thompson MR.

Institution:

Department of Coloproctology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK.

Source:

Br J Surg. 2000 Aug;87(8):1067-70.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Many treatments for symptomatic pilonidal sinus disease have been described. Ambulatory treatment with minimal morbidity and a rapid return to normal activity is desirable. Bascom's operation fulfils these requirements. This paper describes the operative technique and results of treatment. METHODS: Some 218 patients of mean age 27 years were treated as day cases. The mean duration of symptoms was 2.4 years. Sixty-eight per cent of patients had complex disease with more than two midline pits and/or a lateral discharging sinus. One hundred and eighty-three patients (84 per cent) were operated on under local anaesthesia. RESULTS: Ninety-five per cent of patients have been followed up for a mean of 12.1 (range 1-60) months. All except one midline wound healed. Lateral wounds healed after a mean of 4.0 (range 1-15) weeks. Postoperative complications were few, including bleeding in 4 per cent and abscess formation treated by reopening the lateral incision in 6 per cent. Twenty-one patients (10 per cent) have had recurrence and have needed reoperation. CONCLUSION: Bascom's operation is simple and results in considerable financial savings with minimal social disruption and an early return to work. Recurrent disease is no more frequent than after other treatments.

Keywords:

General Surgery Pilonidal sinus