Slovenská chirurgia 3/2013

Pilonidal sinus – outpatient treatment by cutting elastic ligature

Aim: To present the method of cutting elastic ligature (seton) as a simple outpatient surgical procedure for the definitive treatment of pilonidal sinus at its first and also repetitive surgical manifestation. Material and method: 36 patients with pilonidal sinus were treated as outpatients under local anaesthetic by cutting elastic ligature. Two patients with recurrent pilonidal sinus were also treated by cutting elastic ligature. The cutting elastic ligature passes through the tract of pilonidal fistula by its distal entrance and proximal outgoing opening. As a consequence it drains a pathological tract, accomplishes gradual and gentle fistulotomy, stimulates the wound granulation, to be healed by secondary intention. Conclusion: Cutting elastic ligature enables the definitive treatment of pilonidal sinus outpatiently, with patient’s full working ability and minimal discomfort. It can be a method of the first choice, which prevents recurrence, necessity for hospitalization and operation.

Keywords: pilonidal sinus, outpatient treatment, cutting elastic ligature.