Controversies in the Management of Pilonidal Disease: Expert Recommendations from a Modified Delphi Survey and Review of the Literature

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Arslan Ç., Tatar C., Erol T., Smeenk R., Immerman S., Wysocki P., ...Daha Fazla

Türk Kolon ve Rektum Hastalıkları Dergisi, cilt.35, sa.3, ss.79-92, 2025 (TRDizin)

• Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
• Cilt numarası: 35 Sayı: 3
• Basım Tarihi: 2025
• Doi Numarası: 10.4274/tjcd.galenos.2025.2025-2-2
• Dergi Adı: Türk Kolon ve Rektum Hastalıkları Dergisi
• Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
• Sayfa Sayıları: ss.79-92
• Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
• Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Aim

This study aimed to identify key controversies in the management of pilonidal disease (PD) and to develop expert-based recommendations using a modified Delphi process, highlighting critical areas for future research.

Method

A working group established by the Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery conducted a systematic literature review and invited national and international experts with relevant publication records to participate in a Delphi survey. A four-round Delphi process was conducted between July 2023 and February 2024. Statements that reached ≥70% consensus (agree/strongly agree) were accepted.

Results

Of the 172 experts invited, 98 agreed to participate, and 52 completed at least two rounds. Expert opinions were evaluated across nine key aspects of PD management: classification, diagnosis, acute abscess, minimally invasive and excisional treatments, recurrence, hair removal, perioperative care, and postoperative management.

Conclusion

This Delphi study presents expert consensus on unresolved clinical questions in the management of PD. The findings provide practical recommendations for surgeons and emphasize the need for prospective, high-quality studies to establish standardized treatment pathways.