Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (E.P.Si.T.)

We present a new video-assisted minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pilonidal disease (E.P.Si.T: endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment). Between March and November 2012, we operated on 11 patients suffering from pilonidal disease. Surgery is performed under local or spinal anesthesia using the Meinero fistuloscope. The external opening is excised and the fistuloscope is introduced through the small hole. Anatomy is identified, hair and debris are removed and the entire area is ablated under direct vision. There were no significant complications recorded in the patient cohort. The pain experienced during the postoperative period was minimal. At 1 month postoperatively, the external opening(s) were closed in all patients and there were no cases of recurrence at a median follow-up of 6 months. All patients were admitted and discharged on the same day as surgery and commenced work again after a mean time period of 4 days. Aesthetic results were excellent. The key feature of the E.P.Si.T. technique is direct vision, allowing a good definition of the involved area, removal of debris and cauterization of the inflamed tissue.