Rare Complication After VAC Therapy in the Treatment of Tissue Defect Due to Surgical Excision of Pilonidal Sinus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 

Pilonidal sinus is frequently managed with surgical incision. If the wound is left open to heal by secondary intention, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is often used to promote healing.

CASE: 

We describe the case of a 60-year-old patient referred after excision of a pilonidal sinus, which was managed postoperatively with NPWT. Unfortunately, the patient developed squamous cell carcinoma, which was undetected postoperatively, as the dressing was left in place for 5 days.

CONCLUSION: 

Guidelines for the use of NPWT should be followed, with dressing intervals at 2 to 3 days. Wounds managed by NPWT should be monitored carefully for malignancy at the time of dressing changes.