An algorithmic proposal for the treatment of pilonidal disease based on outcomes over a 30 year period

Pilonidal disease is a debilitating chronic infective and inflammatory condition that affects primarily young people after the age of puberty but before the age of 40 years. An incidence of 26 per 100,000 [ 1 ] is usually quoted, although more recent publications have doubled the figure at 48 per 100,000 [ 2 ], suggesting a rising incidence. For many this condition causes a significant disruption to their lives, both professionally and socially [ 3 ].