Investigating recurrence in pilonidal sinus disease: results of a nationwide, multicenter study in Turkey (PISI TURKEY).

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the recurrence rates for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in Turkey and the factors associated with recurrence of PSD after surgery on a nationwide scale.

Methods: This national, multicenter, database review was conducted in Turkey by the PISI TURKEY Research Group, and included recipients of PSD surgery in 41 select hospitals in Turkey, between January 2019 and January 2020. Data were collected by completion of standardized data forms. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, comorbidities, PSD type, previous PSD interventions, index PSD intervention, recurrence, and complications were collected from baseline to postoperative 12 months.

Results: The data of 1662 patients from 41 centers were analyzed. The median age was 25 (21-32) years, and 80.26% of the cases were male. The recurrence rate following index operations was 6.26% in the 12-month period. Age (p = 0.594) and sex distribution (p = 0.441) were similar in patients with and without recurrence. The recurrent group had significantly higher frequencies of type V PSD (p < 0.001), wound site infection (p < 0.001), and wound separation (p < 0.001), whereas the non-recurrent group had a significantly higher frequency of type III PSD (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that prior recurrence, postoperative wound site infection, and postoperative wound separation were independently associated with recurrence.

Conclusions: The recurrence rate after PSD surgery in Turkey was close to the lower ranges reported in prior literature. Turkish patients with a history of prior recurrence, postoperative wound site infection, or postoperative wound separation should be considered to have higher risks for recurrence.