Overview
This is a single-blinded, multicentre, prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing post-operative and patient-reported outcomes for patients undergoing application of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) after sinus tract excision as compared to excision and standard open wound care in chronic pilonidal sinus disease (PSD).
Description
Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin and subcutaneous tissues arising from hair follicles in the natal cleft. The definitive aetiology of the condition is unknown, however, it is theorised that it is the result of either the obstruction and subsequent inflammation of hair follicles or secondary to hair penetrating through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. This results in infection, abscess formation, chronic discharge and pain. PSD is a common condition affecting 26 per 10,000 population, with the prevalence reaching 1.1% in young adult males.
PSD causes a significant burden on healthcare services due to high rates of recurrence and readmission following surgery, together with negative impacts on patients' quality of life and self-image. An effective management strategy for the disease is necessary to ensure that post-operative outcomes are optimised and patient-reported outcomes are satisfactory in those whose PSD requires surgery.
The objective of this multicentre, national RCT is to prospectively investigate the effect of negative pressure wound therapy compared to leaving open with standard wound care on time to wound healing following surgical excision of chronic PSD.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
i) They are aged 18 years or older
ii) They are undergoing elective pilonidal sinus excision without primary closure
Exclusion Criteria:
i) They are unable to adhere to protocol requirements e.g. questionnaire completion
ii) They are undergoing emergency drainage for a pilonidal abscess
iii) They are undergoing surgery for a pilonidal sinus disease in locations other than the natal cleft
iv) They have underlying osteomyelitis
v) They have underlying fistulating disease e.g. Crohn's