Colorectal

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2005
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 74 KB
• Volume: 92
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs.5017

✦ Synopsis

Aims: Despite the many techniques available for the treatment of pilonidal disease, recurrence and wound breakdown remain common occurrences. We present the technical detail and results of Bascom's cleft closure in patients with pilonidal disease. Methods: Thirty-four patients underwent Bascom's cleft closure for pilonidal disease. Patients all had complex pilonidal disease. Cleft closure was used as the primary procedure or followed abscess drainage. An asymmetric, fat-preserving excision of the affected skin was performed. A skin flap was mobilised and the wound completely lateralised with flattening of the natal cleft. Results: All patients tolerated the procedure well with minimal discomfort. Thirty-two (94%) patients healed completely by 3 weeks and 33 (97%) patients healed completely by 6 weeks. No recurrences have developed in the follow-up period of 1 year. Conclusions: The video and results demonstrate that the Bascom cleft closure is a simple, safe and effective operation for all patients with pilonidal disease. We suggest that this procedure should be considered in all patients with pilonidal disease, except those with the most minimal of symptoms.