A Comparison of the Results of the Karydakis Flap Procedure and Primary Closure in the Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease Over the Short and Long Term: A Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract

In the current prospective study, we compared the results of the Karydakis flap procedure (KFP) and primary closure (PC). This study compared the short and long-term results of the KFP and PC techniques. The sample of this study was a total of 352 patients (302 male: 85.7%; median age: 24 years) who underwent reconstruction after pilonidal sinus excision in our clinic. The reconstruction was performed using the KFP (group 1, n = 176, 50%) or PC (group 2, n = 176, 50%). The following data on the patients was obtained; sex, age, body mass index (BMI), duration of operation and hospital stay, length of time patient could walk without pain, length of time patients could sit on toilet without pain, complications (e.g., infection, recurrence). No significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 with respect to sex, age, BMI, and duration of operation. Moreover, length of time patients could walk and sit on toilet without pain was similar in both groups. On the other hand, the rate of recurrence was significantly lower in group 1 (n = 4, 2%) compared with group 2 (n = 20, 11%, P < 0.001). KFP is preferable to PC since it is easier to learn and perform and has lower complication and recurrence rates.