Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of congenital gluteal dermal sinus tract in children: a 15-year retrospective single-center clinical experience - Report - MDSpire

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of congenital gluteal dermal sinus tract in children: a 15-year retrospective single-center clinical experience

  • By

  • Debao Li

  • Shan Zheng

  • Xianmin Xiao

  • Yangyang Ma

  • Qingchi Zhang

  • Chenbin Dong

  • Weijing He

  • Gong Chen

  • Chun Shen

  • Song Sun

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Surgical Interventions and Clinical Features of Congenital Gluteal Dermal Sinus Tracts

Overview

This study reviews 20 pediatric cases of congenital gluteal dermal sinus tracts, highlighting clinical features, diagnostic methods, and surgical outcomes. The findings indicate a higher prevalence in females, with a generally favorable prognosis following complete excision.

Background

Congenital gluteal dermal sinus tracts are rare but significant conditions in pediatric patients, often leading to misdiagnosis and complications such as recurrent infections. Understanding their clinical presentation and management is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap in literature regarding the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

Data Highlights

CharacteristicDetails
Number of Patients20
Gender Distribution6 males, 14 females
Median Age at Symptom Onset9.5 months
Median Time to Diagnosis13.5 months
Recurrence Rate10% (2 patients)

Key Findings

  • Congenital gluteal dermal sinus tracts are more common in females.
  • Initial symptoms include abnormal gluteal depression and recurrent infections.
  • CT scans were positive in all cases but had lower specificity compared to MRI.
  • All sinus tracts were excised, with an average length of 4.95 cm.
  • Recurrence occurred in 10% of patients, necessitating reoperation.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for congenital gluteal dermal sinus tracts in pediatric patients presenting with gluteal dimples or recurrent infections. Early diagnosis and complete surgical excision are critical for preventing complications and ensuring favorable outcomes.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of recognizing congenital gluteal dermal sinus tracts in children and highlights the effectiveness of surgical intervention in managing this condition.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Updates in Surgery, National Multicenter Study on Pediatric Endoscopic Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease (PEPSiT), 2023 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13304-023-01508-5
  2. Updates in Surgery, Insights Gained from Three Years of Pediatric Endoscopic Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus Disease (PEPSiT), 2021 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13304-021-01094-4
  3. Pediatric Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Analysis of Early Recurrence Rates Across Various Treatment Methods in a Multi-Center Retrospective Study, 2023 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00268-023-07045-x
  4. Dermal sinus in children: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of a retrospective cohort, PubMed -- 2024 -- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41791107/?utm_source=openai
  5. Utilization of Intra-operative Ultrasound in Managing Complex and Recurrent Pilonidal Disease: A Retrospective Observational Study from a Single Institution
  6. Management of Dermal Sinus Tracts in Children - ISPN Guide
  7. Dermal sinus in children: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of a retrospective cohort - PubMed
  8. Newborn Skin: Part II. Birthmarks | AAFP

Original Source(s)

Related Content