Pilonidal Disease: Toward a Severity-Stratified, Value-Based Approach

jpedsurg.org

Pilonidal disease affects up to 100 per 100,000 adolescents and young adults, with incidence rising worldwide. Its impact extends far beyond the operating room. During formative years, patients face disruptions in education, employment, and social life that are disproportionate to what is often labeled a “minor” surgical problem. Despite this burden, care remains fragmented and guided more by surgeon preference and local practice than by standardized, evidence-based frameworks.(1)

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Article · Dec 2025 · 1 min read

In brief

This article addresses pilonidal disease management in adolescents and young adults, advocating for a severity-stratified, evidence-based approach to replace fragmented, preference-driven care. It emphasizes the significant psychosocial and functional impact on patients during formative years, challenging the perception of pilonidal disease as a minor surgical condition.

Pilonidal disease incidence is rising globally, affecting up to 100 per 100,000 adolescents and young adults.
The condition significantly disrupts education, employment, and social life during formative years beyond surgical impact.
Current care is fragmented and driven by surgeon preference rather than standardized, evidence-based protocols.
The disease burden is disproportionate to its common classification as a 'minor' surgical problem.
A severity-stratified, value-based approach is needed to improve outcomes and standardize pilonidal disease management.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.

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