Preliminary report on endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment in children: results of a multicentric series

Alessio Pini Prato, Cinzia Mazzola, Girolamo Mattioli, Maria Escolino, Ciro Esposito, Antonio D’Alessio, Laura Caterina Abati, Lorenzo Leonelli, Claudio Carlini, Franco Rotundi, Pier Carlo Meinero

Pilonidal disease is a troublesome acquired condition for whom various surgical treatments have been proposed with relatively high recurrence and complication rates. Since EPSiT technique has been described in 2013, it became an alternative treatment in adult practice. Our study reports the results of a multicentre series of pediatric patients who underwent EPSiT procedure over a 21-month period. Between July 2015 and March 2017, all consecutive patients undergoing EPSiT in four different pediatric surgical units have been enrolled. Details regarding demographic data, detailed surgical procedure, outcome and complications have been recorded. A total of 43 patients underwent EPSiT procedure. Mean age was 15 years. There was a slight female preponderance. Mean weight and height at surgery were 67 kg and 168 cm, respectively. In 14% of cases a previous ineffective procedure was performed. Mean length of procedure was 34 min and median hospital stay was 24 h (12-72 h). Median length of follow-up was 4 months (range 3-18 months). Complications leading to reoperation were reported in 9% of cases with an overall resolution rate of 88%. EPSiT proved to be feasible and safe even in the pediatric population. The effectiveness and safety of the procedure suggest that this technique can represent a valid alternative for the treatment of pilonidal disease in children.