Is Routine Cavity Drainage Necessary in Karydakis Flap Operation? A Prospective, Randomized Trial

Abstract

PURPOSE: Different surgical techniques for pilonidal disease have been described in the literature. In this study our aim was to evaluate the influence of routine cavity drainage in the Karydakis flap technique. METHODS: Fifty patients with pilonidal sinus who underwent the Karydakis flap operation were evaluated prospectively. The patients were assigned randomly into two groups-with and without suction drainage of the cavity-and the effects of drains were studied in terms of wound complications, hospital stay, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in term of length of hospital stay. Complication rate was 20 percent and the complications were caused exclusively by fluid collections. Wound infection, dehiscence, or failure was not observed in any of the patients. There has been no recurrence in any of the patients during the follow-up period. There was a significant increase in the number of fluid collections in patents without a suction drain. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that routine cavity drainage reduces the incidence of fluid collection after the Karydakis flap operation.