Pilonidal cysts: what's new? Technological innovations and the importance of Wound Management

Abstract

Pilonidal cyst normally manifests itself with the formation of ulcers or orifices predominantly in the sacrococcygeal region. It generally affects young males between 15 and 30 years of age . It has a reported incidence rate of 26 per 10,000 people and affects men 2.2 times more than women . It often tends towards a chronic course if the correct diagnostic- therapeutic course is not taken. Surgical treatment of pilonidal cysts is only recommended in the presence of symptomatic disease and is the only effective treatment in this case7-11. Improper cleaning of the wound bed slows healing and may promote complications such as infection or biofilm formation, which may lead to recurrence. In addition to surgical or conservative treatment , is required an adequate assessment of the skin tissue by a specialist wound care professional who can recognise all local signs that impede healing. Hence, the role of a specialist in Vulnology in the multidisciplinary team and in the post-operative phase may be necessary to take care of the person in a dedicated outpatient clinic, in order to assess the patient and to adopt targeted local treatment strategies. The article proposes a narrative review of the latest available evidence, considering the last 10 years, regarding surgical approaches and new biotechnologies for wound management, highlighting new treatment modalities and critical issues still to be investigated.

Keywords

• sinus
• pilonidal
• pilonidal cysts
• wound care
• infected wounds
• biofilms