Advancing Pilonidal Sinus Care Through Structured International Collaboration: The PiloNERDs Project: PiloNERDs: Connecting and Standardising Pilonidal Science

Abstract

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is one of the most common benign surgical conditions affecting adolescents and young adults worldwide—yet its management remains surprisingly fragmented. Despite increasing scientific activity across Europe and beyond, surgical techniques, outcome definitions, and follow-up standards still vary widely, limiting meaningful comparison and slowing progress. For a condition of such prevalence and socio-economic relevance, this lack of coordination represents a missed opportunity.

PiloNERDs International (Pilonidal Network for Expertise, Research and Development) was founded to change this. As a clinician-led global initiative dedicated exclusively to pilonidal disease, PiloNERDs provides a structured platform for harmonised definitions, robust long-term outcome assessment, shared registries, multicentre collaboration, and open methodological exchange. By uniting surgeons and researchers across borders, the network transforms individual expertise into collective scientific strength.

This project marks a decisive step from isolated excellence toward coordinated advancement. Through enthusiastic international cooperation, PiloNERDs aims to elevate research quality, accelerate innovation, and establish reproducible standards—ultimately delivering better, evidence-based surgical care for the predominantly young patients entrusted to us.