PITSTOP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The PITSTOP Study: PIlonidal sinus Treatment: STudying the OPtions
IRAS ID
253280
Contact name
Steven Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
We propose a prospective cohort study to determine the sub types of pilonidal disease, to describe the various interventions, to engage with patients and to determine which outcomes they value and which interventions they prefer/do not prefer and to provide recommendations for further research. Pilonidal sinus disease is a small hole or tunnel in the skin between the buttocks. It can fill with puss or fluid and this can lead to the formation of an abscess or a cyst. It is a relatively common disease and general affects the young working population.
Firstly, a survey is proposed to be circulated within the colorectal consultant surgeon network. This survey will see what the current practices are in various hospitals around the UK. This will give a baseline for the current interventions use most frequently as there are many ways in which to treat a pilonidal sinus and no consensus on which is the most effective in the reduction of recurrence or post-surgery infection. The survey will also explore the factors affecting choice of treatment method in relation to disease presentation. Finally, it will seek to investigate the estimated mean recurrence rate for each surgeon.
The PITSTOP cohort study will then collect data on individuals presenting with pilonidal sinus disease. It will aim to classify the various presentations and severity of the disease. It will also record the outcomes of various surgical techniques. It will also identify patient-specific disease features that might predict poor outcomes in each treatment group.
The study will also use qualitative interviews to provide an overview of patient views and experiences of the treatment that they have chosen and received. This will this will also include the views of patients on which interventions they would rather avoid and which outcomes they most value in regards to their treatment options.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0370
Date of REC Opinion
26 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion