Surgical intervention of pilonidal sinus: impact on patients' postoperative satisfaction and return to work time.

Background: Pilonidal sinus (PS) is a chronic inflammatory process accompanied by psychological strain and a high rate of work incapacity.

Objectives: To analyze the impact of PS surgery on individual patients' satisfaction (SAT) and economic impacts on work capability.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 40 PS patients regarding SAT and return to work time (RTW) in relation to various factors, using multivariate analysis and Pearson's correlation test.

Results: We found a significant negative correlation between SAT and RTW (p<0.01), both correlated equally strongly with duration between first diagnosis and surgery (p<0.01) and with loss of weight (p<0.05). RTW correlated with duration of painkiller intake (p<0.01). SAT correlated with gender (p<0.01), smoking cessation (p<0.05) and quantity of painkiller intake (p<0.01). Satisfaction correlated with gender (p<0.01), smoking cessation (p<0.05), and quantity of painkiller intake (p<0.05).

Conclusion: RTW after PS surgery is influenced by factors that can be influenced prior to surgery, leading to better economic results for patients and employers as well as society.