Evaluation of the outcome of complete sinus excision with reconstruction of the umbilicus in patients with umbilical pilonidal sinus

Abstract

Umbilical pilonidal sinus is a cause of umbilical discharge. In this study, the outcome of complete excision of the umbilical sinus with umbilical reconstruction is considered. Adult patients with umbilical pilonidal sinus who had not undergone any previous surgeries were operated on using a technique that involves complete excision of the sinus after eversion of the umbilicus followed by reconstruction of the umbilicus. Patients were then followed; and wound complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at postoperative visits. A total of 45 patients underwent the operation; 39 (86.5%) were male, and 6 (13.5%) were female. The mean age was 22.6 years (18-27 years). Six male patients had synchronous sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (3-62 months). Only four patients had wound drainage after operation, and all required drainage of the wound. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period, and all patients were satisfied with the appearance of their umbilicus. The technique of complete sinus excision and umbilical reconstruction is an effective and acceptable method for treating umbilical pilonidal sinus and may be recommended for primary treatment of this disease.