Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease involving inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. Many studies have highlighted the marked impact on quality of life (QoL) caused by HS, where pain, odor, secretion, chronicity and unpredictability create a stigma surrounding the disease. Treatment seeks to control inflammation and improve patient QoL. The present study assessed the impact of wide surgical resection on the QoL of HS patients. Methods: Patients with HS undergoing surgical treatment were assessed for QoL before and after surgery, using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Epidemiological and clinical characteristics were evaluated along with aspects of the surgical intervention. Results: A total of 15 patients with HS Hurley III treated with wide surgery were assessed. Two (13.3%) patients presented mild post-operative complications. Mean follow-up time was 22.7 months. Mean DLQI score was 23.08 preoperatively and 3.23 post-operatively. Conclusion: HS can lead to severe impairment of QoL. Surgical treatment using wide resection proved extremely effective for improving QoL. Surgery-related factors such as post-operative pain, healing time and presence of scars appeared to have no negative impact on patient self-image, functioning or overall QoL.