A Comparison of Three Dressing Methods for Pilonidal Sinus Surgery Wound Healing.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different dressing methods on the wound healing process after pilonidal sinus surgery.

METHODS

In this clinical trial, 60 patients undergoing pilonidal sinus surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the first group, hydrogel or alginate and hydrocolloid compounds were used as a standard occlusive dressing method. A modified dressing method was used for the second group, in which transparent hydrocolloid films were replaced by Vaseline gauze. The third group was treated using gauze swabs soaked in normal saline. The length and depth of the studied wounds were recorded once a week for a month. During dressing changes, patient pain was recorded using an 11-point numeric rating scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in wound length after 2 weeks in all three groups (P < .05), and the pain experienced by the first and second groups was significantly lower than the third group. However, the modified method used for the second group was associated with a lower cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the beneficial results of using modern dressings for wound healing and reducing the severity of associated pain, providers may want to consider using modified wound dressings after pilonidal sinus surgery. Study authors recommend that providers receive training on how to use these products.