Muhammad Naeem, Waleed Mabood, Muhammad Imran, Imtiaz Khattak, Munir Ahmad.
Pilonidal disease: Th e changing trend in incidence based on occupation.
Pak J Surg Jan ;35(4):301-5.

Introduction: Pilonidal sinus disease is one of the most commonly encountered diseases in people with sedentary lifestyle. It`s most common occurrence is in natal cleft while interdigital web spaces are the other common sites. It has been reported to have 0.7% incidence in general population mainly affecting male patients of age 16-25 years. Th ere has been a trend in its risk factors which include obesity, occupation with prolong sitting times, personal hygiene, family history and grading of hairiness. Our study focused on the occupational risk factor which is seen mostly in people of IT professionals and gamers. This study will help us know the incidence of PND in this subset group and would aim at its prevention in the said group Objectives: To evaluate the changing trend in incidence of pilonidal disease based on occupation Material and methods: This descriptive study was carried out over 53 patients. After written informed consent, all consecutive patients who presented to surgical OPD with a complaint of pain in the natal cleft and subsequent diagnosis of PND on clinical examination by consultant surgeon and detailed history taken by Trainee Medical Officer. All patient had their weight and height measured for BMI documentation. Results: A total of 53 patients were diagnosed PND in surgical OPD in the last 2 years. All patients were male with a mean age of 21.04+-2.43. The mean BMI was 24.6+-2.2 with a range of 15.2-34.6. Most of the patients belonged to a group of BMI less than 25. Only 06% with BMI greater than 30 (obese), 15% patients had a BMI 25-30. 32% were IT professionals, 29% were related to sales industry, 23% were related to security services, 12% were drivers, 02 % were technicians, 1% educationalists and 1% was unemployed. Time spent seated per day was higher for the occupations of IT professionals and gamers, 64% said that they spent more than 6 hours per day on being seated. 23% patients had a positive family history of pilonidal disease. Conclusion: Our study conclusively found that patients related to occupations which require prolong sitting time and who have moderate to excessive hair in a natal cleft s and baths less than 2 times per week are susceptible to developing PND.

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