Is family history of pilonidal sinus really important or is it a myth?

<b>Objective:</b> Pilonidal sinus is a disease that occurs with a sinus abscess in the sacrococcygeal region, especially in young men. This study investigated whether positive family history is a predisposing factor for the disease and whether it influences the age of onset in patients who have undergone pilonidal sinus surgery.<br /> <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 148 patients who underwent pilonidal sinus surgery at our clinic between January 2022 and January 2023. Age, sex, and family history were evaluated, and the family history was further detailed via telephone interviews.<br /> <b>Results:</b> The study included 148 patients, 124 (83.8%) were male and 24 (16.2%) were female. Family history was reported in 21.6% (n = 32) of the patients. Among those with a positive family history, 84.38% (n = 27) had paternal lineage involvement, and 15.62% (n = 5) had maternal lineage involvement. The mean age was 26.31 ± 7.69 years in males and 22.25 ± 8.02 years in females, with the difference being statistically significant (z = 2.35; p < 0.05).<br /> <b>Discussion:</b> While familial predisposition is notable in a subset of pilonidal sinus disease cases, it is insufficient alone to predict disease onset or severity. Multifactorial influences–genetic, anatomical, and behavioral–must be considered.