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Published on: June 20, 2018
Rhomboid excision and Limberg flap for managing pilonidal sinus: long-term results in 411 patients
1Department of General Surgery, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. makin@gazi.edu.tr
Objective:
To investigate the results of rhomboid excision and the Limberg flap procedure to treat pilonidal sinus disease.
Method:
The records of 411 patients with pilonidal sinus disease, who underwent rhomboid excision and Limberg flap procedure, were analysed. All sinus tracks were resected en bloc, and a Limberg flap was prepared from left or right gluteal region. A suction drain was routinely used.
Results:
The mean follow-up period was 109.2 +/- 4.5 months (range: 12-183 months). Recurrence occurred in 12 (2.91%) patients who were all male. In 42 (10.21%) patients, anaesthesia or hypoaesthesia of the upper portion of the flap occurred; this was temporary in 25 patients. Twelve (2.91%) patients developed a seroma and 15 (3.64%) a wound infection. The average hospital stay was 3.2 days (range: 1-10 days), and the average time of return to work was 12.4 days (range: 7-18 days). The average time to walk without pain was 13.4 days (range: 10-28 days) and the average time to sitting on the toilet without pain was 16.1 days (range: 12-28 days).
Conclusion:
The Limberg flap procedure is effective and has a low complication rate, short time for returning to normal activity and short hospitalization.
