Does technique alter quality of life after pilonidal sinus surgery?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Pilonidal sinus disease affects young adults, often leading to high postoperative morbidity.
• Current surgical treatments for pilonidal sinus disease lack consensus regarding optimal recurrence rates and patient comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two surgical techniques for chronic pilonidal sinus disease: excision and primary closure versus rhomboid excision and Limberg flap.
• To evaluate postoperative outcomes, including healing time, return to work, and patient-reported quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients with chronic pilonidal sinus disease.
• Patients were assigned to either excision and primary closure or Limberg flap surgery.
• Outcomes measured included hospital stay, healing time, return to work, Short Form 36, Visual Analogue Scale, and pain-free sitting/walking times.

Main Results:

• The Limberg flap group demonstrated significantly shorter hospital stays, faster healing times, and quicker return to work.
• Patients undergoing the Limberg flap reported significantly less pain and improved general health perception and social functioning.
• The Limberg flap technique was associated with a lower wound infection rate.

Conclusions:

• The Limberg flap technique is advantageous for pilonidal sinus surgery, offering shorter hospital stays, earlier healing, and reduced complications.
• Improved pain perception and general health contribute to enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction with the Limberg flap procedure.
• The study highlights the Limberg flap as a superior surgical option for managing pilonidal sinus disease.