[Pilonidal sinus: Secondary wound closure vs. Limberg flap : Cost and satisfaction analysis]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Pilonidal sinus excision has multiple treatment options, but no established gold standard exists.
• Limited comparative data on costs and work absence between secondary wound closure and Limberg flap reconstruction.
• Need for analysis of patient outcomes focusing on economic and time-related factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the costs and time off work associated with secondary wound closure versus Limberg transposition flap for pilonidal sinus treatment.
• To analyze patient demographics, costs, and satisfaction for both surgical techniques.
• To provide data for informed clinical decision-making in pilonidal sinus management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 60 patients with pilonidal sinus treated between 2011-2012.
• Comparison of secondary wound closure (n=19) versus Limberg transposition flap (n=21) based on inclusion criteria.
• Evaluation of patient demographics, surgical costs, time off work, and number of dressing changes.

Main Results:

• Limberg flap group showed significantly less time off work (30 days vs. 69 days) and fewer dressing changes (16 vs. 107).
• Associated costs were lower for the Limberg transposition flap procedure.
• Secondary wound closure resulted in lower surgery-related costs.

Conclusions:

• Plastic reconstruction using the Limberg transposition flap can shorten the period of incapacity for work.
• Patients should be offered both techniques, as current literature lacks a clear procedural benefit for either.
• The study highlights the trade-offs between immediate surgical costs and long-term patient recovery and economic impact.