A minimally invasive pilonidal protocol improves quality of life in adolescents

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery 2021-10, Vol.56 (10), p.1861-1864
• Main Authors: Henry, Owen S., Farr, Bethany J., Check, Nikki M., Mooney, David P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Minimally invasive pilonidal protocol; Pilonidal disease; Quality of life
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.11.012

•Pilonidal disease negatively impacts adolescents’ quality of life.•This is the first study to evaluate the impact of a minimally invasive pilonidal protocol on self-reported QoL.•Negative QoL impact promptly decreased across all disease severities. Pilonidal disease adversely affects the quality of life (QoL) of adolescents with this condition. We report the impact of minimally invasive care on the QoL of a series of adolescent patients in a dedicated Pilonidal Care Clinic. Beginning in February 2019, all patients completed QoL surveys prior to each visit reporting current symptoms and their QoL impact. Data were collected prospectively with objective disease severity and treatment details. Patients with at least 2 clinic visits were included. Demographics, procedures performed, and median QoL scores by severity were analyzed. 74 patients were included. Mean age was 17.3 years (SD 2.4), mean BMI was 27.5 (SD 6.2), median follow-up duration was 4 months (2–12). At intake patients reported a median total QoL impact of 12 for those with mild disease, 11 for those with moderate disease, and 12 with severe disease. Median total QoL impact resolved by the second visit for patients with mild disease, the third for moderate disease, and decreased 88% by the fourth visit for patients with severe disease. Pilonidal disease has a profound impact on most patients’ quality of life. Minimally invasive care promptly resolves negative impacts on quality of life in adolescents.