Is the lateralization distance important in terms in patients undergoing the modified Limberg flap procedure for treatment of pilonidal sinus?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether the lateralization distance causes differences in the flattening ratio of the natal cleft, early complications, or recurrence rates in patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease undergoing the modified Limberg flap.

METHODS

This clinical study was conducted from March 2012 to April 2013. Forty patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease were divided into two groups of 20 patients, each according to the lateralization distance of the lower part of the Limberg flap incision (Group I, 1 cm lateralized; Group II, 2 cm lateralized). Early wound complications, recurrence rates, and the flattening ratio of the natal cleft were evaluated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences in operating time (mean 42.2 ± 5.7 and 42.3 ± 6.4 min, respectively; p = 0.855), drain removal time [median 3 (range 2-10) and 4 (range 2-14) days, respectively; p = 0.1], or length of hospitalization [median 1 (range 1-3) and 1 (range 1-4) days, respectively; p = 0.775] were found between the groups. The mean follow-up period was 12.8 ± 3.7 months. Recurrence was observed in only one patient of Group II. There were no statistically significant differences in the flattening ratio of the natal cleft, overall wound complications, or recurrence between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant differences in early complications or recurrence rates were found between the two different lateralization distances in the modified Limberg flap procedure. Therefore, we conclude that 1-cm lateralization of the lower part of the incision is sufficient.