Surgical treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Recurrent painful nodules and abscesses typically rupture and lead to the development of draining sinuses and scars. HS most often affects the apocrine gland-rich intertriginous areas, affecting about 1% of the younger population, significantly reducing their quality of life. The incidence in women is three times higher than in men, and is more common in obese people and smokers. A multidisciplinary approach is used in the treatment for HS. The diagnosis is largely based on its clinical presentation, with a majority of patients having a mild form of the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial, when a combination of conservative and surgical treatment approaches will often yield good results. The treatment of advanced stages of the disease is very demanding, with frequent relapses despite the treatment. A multidisciplinary approach with timely surgical intervention may achieve better treatment outcomes. In the case of advanced disease, various reconstructive methods and repeated surgical procedures are often required. 

Key words:
hidradenitis suppurativa; outpatient surgery; skin transplantation; surgical flaps; surgical therapy