Prevalence of Pilonidal Sinus Disease and Treatment Outcomes at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital

Pilonidal sinus disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the sacrococcygeal region, disproportionately affects young adults with sedentary occupations or long periods of sitting, a pattern increasingly relevant in Nigeria's growing urban workforce. This study evaluates the prevalence and treatment outcomes of pilonidal sinus disease at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria, from 2020 to 2024. A retrospective descriptive analysis of 110 confirmed cases was conducted using surgical outpatient and inpatient records. Variables collected included patient demographics, disease duration, surgical procedures performed (excision and primary closure versus open technique), wound healing outcomes, and recurrence rates within 24 months of follow-up. Male patients between 18 and 30 years accounted for 76% of cases. Excision with primary closure had a shorter recovery period but was associated with a higher recurrence rate compared to the open technique. Overall recurrence within two years was 22%. Poor patient compliance with wound care instructions was the most commonly cited contributing factor to recurrence. The study recommends patient education on wound hygiene, standardized surgical technique guidelines, and structured follow-up protocols to minimize recurrence rates in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: pilonidal sinus, recurrence, sacrococcygeal, Abuja, wound care