Videoendoscopic pilonidal sinus surgery: early results with a new technique

Summary Background We adapted a laparoscopic surgical technique to sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (SPSD) treatment. Methods The study included 18 cases. All patients were operated on under spinal anesthesia. Two 5‑mm trocars were placed 5 cm lateral to the intergluteal area. Sinus tracts, granulation tissues, and surrounding inflamed areas were dissected and removed through the trocar openings. Results Recurrence was detected in two patients within the first 3 months. Skin burn was observed in one patient and hematoma developed in another patient. All recurrences and complications were seen in the first group of nine cases. The mean follow-up period was 71.5 months (58–79 months). The mean operation time was 44 min and the mean hospital stay was 1 day. Conclusion Herein, we describe for the first time a lateral access videoendoscopic technique. After a learning curve, this minimally invasive new technique for SPSD treatment may reduce recurrences, wound complications, and the wide incision required by other techniques.