Platelet-rich Plasma as an Adjuvant Therapy to Crystallized Phenol in the Treatment of Pediatric Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to crystallized phenol (CP) in treating pediatric pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted at Istanbul Esenyurt Hospital. Eighty-seven patients aged 0–18 were randomly assigned to two groups: the CP group (n = 42) and the CP + PRP group (n = 45). Upon arrival at the clinic, patients began a regimen of manual shaving and, if necessary, laser epilation every 6–8 weeks. For those with pilonidal abscesses, incision, drainage, and antibiotics were given. The treatment area was sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia. Hair removal and curettage were performed, followed by the application of crystallized phenol. In CP + PRP group, PRP injections were also administered. The procedure concluded with wound dressing and thorough disinfection. The study was registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT06324656). The CP + PRP group demonstrated significantly shorter healing times (19.4 ± 7.88 days) compared to the CP group (30.7 ± 12.9 days) (p