Is limberg flap better than excision and primary closure for treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus- a prospective randomised study of 30 cases

Abstract

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a common presentation to the office of both the General Surgeon and Coloproctologist. Over time various treatment modalities have evolved for the same. Older methods such as excision with or without closure have been associated with higher complications in the post-operative period, recurrence rates and hospital stay. Flap procedures have a longer operative period and a steep learning curve but a better overall post-operative course and lower recurrence rates. Our study was done to compare the outcomes of primary excision and closure to a Limberg flap for treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. The objective of the study was to determine whether Limberg flap was superior to excision and primary closure for treatment of pilonidal sinus. 30 patients presenting with chronic pilonidal sinus where randomly assigned to two groups of 15 patients each. Both the groups were compared in terms of age of presentation, sex prediliction, duration of surgery, post-operative resumption of work, complications and recurrence. We concluded that Limberg flap is superior to excision and primary closure for treatment of pilonidal sinus.