Radiofrequency incision and lay open technique of pilonidal sinus (clinical practice paper on modified technique).

The Kobe journal of medical sciences · 2003 · Unclear · Very low evidence

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UnclearVery low evidencePaper 3721

Study snapshot

PublicationThe Kobe journal of medical sciences · 2003

Study typecohort

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingVery low

Abstract

With the uncertainty as to the etiology and the complexities often encountered in its treatment, a pilonidal sinus has been considered as a tricky disease. Wide varieties of approaches are employed in dealing with this ailment ranging from a conservative treatment to an extensive surgical excision or repair. However, a method of simple lying open of pilonidal sinus is still considered as the favored one. We describe a modified approach to the procedure of incision and lying open the sinus tracts. This retrospective study describes 18 patients of chronic pilonidal sinus treated with a technique of radiofrequency surgery under local anesthesia. There were 12 males and 6 females within an age group ranging from 16 to 30. The patients were subjected to a follow-up for a period of 18 months. The patients were discharged on the same day of the procedure. Mean period off work was 7 days. The average healing time recorded was 67 days. Two wound complications in the form of premature closure of the skin edges were noted, requiring trimming of the edges. One of these two remained unhealed. At the last follow-up, no recurrence was found in the remaining 17 patients. In the era when the emphasis is on the criteria like minimum hospital stay, less postoperative pain, early resumption to work and a reduced recurrence rate, there is a future to the procedure of incision and lying open of the pilonidal sinuses by using the radiofrequency wave.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecohort

Effect directionunclear

PopulationPatients with chronic pilonidal sinus (ages 16–30; 12 males, 6 females)

Sample size18

ExposureRF

Evidence strengthVery lowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

This retrospective series of 18 chronic pilonidal sinus patients treated with radiofrequency surgery (incision and lay open) under local anesthesia reported same-day discharge, mean time off work of 7 days, and average healing time of 67 days. Two wound complications (premature closure of skin edges) were noted; one of these two remained unhealed. At 18-month follow-up, no recurrence was found in the remaining 17 patients.

Outcomes measured

Healing time
Time off work
Wound complications
Recurrence

Limitations

Retrospective design
Small sample size (n=18)
No control/comparator group described
Limited reporting detail on exposure parameters (e.g., frequency, power)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "cohort",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "medical/surgical radiofrequency device",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Patients with chronic pilonidal sinus (ages 16–30; 12 males, 6 females)",
  "sample_size": 18,
  "outcomes": [
    "Healing time",
    "Time off work",
    "Wound complications",
    "Recurrence"
  ],
  "main_findings": "This retrospective series of 18 chronic pilonidal sinus patients treated with radiofrequency surgery (incision and lay open) under local anesthesia reported same-day discharge, mean time off work of 7 days, and average healing time of 67 days. Two wound complications (premature closure of skin edges) were noted; one of these two remained unhealed. At 18-month follow-up, no recurrence was found in the remaining 17 patients.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Retrospective design",
    "Small sample size (n=18)",
    "No control/comparator group described",
    "Limited reporting detail on exposure parameters (e.g., frequency, power)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "very_low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "pilonidal sinus",
    "radiofrequency surgery",
    "incision and lay open",
    "retrospective study",
    "wound complications",
    "recurrence",
    "healing time"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: 14970750

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