Rotational gluteal flap versus modified Limberg flap in treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease.

BACKGROUND

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPND) is a common surgical condition with a multitude of surgical treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of modified Limberg flap (MLF) and that of rotational gluteal flap (RGF) in treatment of SPND.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective case-controlled study involving adult patients of both genders who were treated with either MLF or RGF for SPND. The main outcomes of the study were the recurrence of SPND, complications, operation time, hospital stay, time of healing, time to return to daily activities, and cosmetic outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 189 (143 males) patients with a mean age of 23.5 y were included. Ninety-five patients were treated with RGF (cases), and 94 were treated with MLF (controls). Both the groups were matched regarding age, gender, body mass index, and disease severity. The operation time of RGF was longer than that of MLF (P < 0.0001). No significant difference in recurrence was noted between RGF and MLF (3.1% versus 7.4%, P = 0.21). RGF had lower complication rate than MLF (17.9% versus 40.4%; P = 0.001). Time to return to work was similar in both the groups. RGF conferred significantly better cosmetic outcomes than MLF.

CONCLUSIONS

Both RGF and MLF achieved comparable, low recurrence rates. Although the operation time of RGF was significantly longer than that of MLF, the RGF had shorter healing time; lower complication rate, particularly seroma formation; and better cosmetic appearance.