Surgical deroofing in pediatric patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory follicular disorder that most commonly involves the intertriginous areas. It is characterized by recurrent nodules that may progress into deeper abscesses and sinus tracts. Treatment is challenging and often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medical therapies, and procedures to control symptoms. Deroofing is a tissue-saving surgical technique that has been well studied in adults and in our clinical experience is an important adjunct therapy in pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe HS. We describe the step-by-step process of deroofing, including surgical clinical pearls specific to the pediatric population.