Introducing an Asymmetric Cleft Lift Technique as a Uniform Procedure for Pilonidal Sinus Surgery

Background and Aims: Asymmetric techniques for surgery in pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) have been reported to provide better results than simple excision and closure in the midline. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results after introducing the Bascom asymmetric cleft lift procedure in our hospital on a day care basis.Material and Methods: From a total of 33 patients operated from April 2002 to September 2004 with the Bascom asymmetric cleft lift technique, we were able to contact 29 who were invited to a follow up study. Eighteen (62%) of these patients accepted a consultation in the outpatient clinic while 11 (38%) were interviewed by phone.Results: At follow up mean 17 (range 10–27) months after the operation 24 (83%) of the wounds were healed while recurrences were present in 5 (17%) of the patients. In two of the patients with recurrences errors in the procedures were identified. Further results related to pre-, per- and postoperative conditions are discussed in this paper.Conclusion: Early results after surgery for PSD with the Bascom asymmetric cleft-lift technique are promising. The technique has now become our standard procedure for treating chronic, symptomatic PSD.