Outcomes of Crystallized Phenol Treatment in Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Disease and Factors Affecting Recurrence: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of crystallized phenol application (CPA) in sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) and factors affecting its recurrence. Method: A total of 125 patients who underwent PSD surgery between February 2021 and March 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Data including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), grade of hirsutism, daily sitting duration, primary or recurrent PSD, previous abscess drainage, number of sinus pits, operation duration, local anesthetic dose, postoperative complications, number of shaves per month, and recurrence were recorded. A total of 77 patients who were treated with CPA were included. Results: The patients comprised 68 men and nine women, with a mean age of 22.6±3.1 (range: 14-43) years. The mean operation duration was 13.7±2.6 min, and the mean dose of local anesthetic was 11.6±1.9 mL. Hematoma developed in only one patient after surgery. The median follow-up was 12 (range: 2-21) months. The total success rate of CPA was 75.4% and 96.1% at the first and second sessions, respectively. The recurrence rate was 3.89% at 1 year and was significantly higher in patients who were overweight and obese, had a higher grade of hirsutism (>grade 2), a higher number of sinus pits (>3), and shaved fewer times per month (<2 times/month) (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI, grade of hirsutism, and the number of shaves were significant factors for recurrence (p<0.001). Conclusion: CPA is a simple, inexpensive, and safe non-invasive method with acceptable recurrence rates. Weight, hair, and hygiene are the significant factors affecting the recurrence.

Keywords

• crystallized phenol application
• sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease
• pilonidal abscess
• pilonidal sinus excision