Limberg Flap for Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus a Safe and Sound Procedure

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SC-PSD) is an acquired condition usually seen in young adults especially males. This prospective study has been performed to determine effects of the Limberg flap rotation surgery for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, its feasibility to the patients, their compliance, and outcomes such as wound infection, postoperative pain relief, recurrence rates, and return to work. A total of 30 patients were operated by the same two surgeons from January 2009 to June 2011, including both primary and recurrent diseases, and patients with previous incision and drainage done for the pilonidal abscess. All patients successfully underwent surgery, with very minimal postoperative pain, stayed in hospital for average 5 days, returned to work after 3 weeks, with 3 patients having flap edema, 2 having flap necrosis, and no recurrences so far. Patients with flap edema and flap necrosis took 2–3 weeks to heal with regular dressing and antibiotic usage. Limberg flap for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus was found very useful and sound in terms of postoperative pain, infection rates, and early return to work with almost nil recurrences.     

Modified Limberg Transposition Flap for Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus

Purpose. To investigate the results of wide rhomboid excision with Limberg transposition flap reconstruction to treat pilonidal sinus.Methods. We analyzed the well-documented records of 238 patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus who underwent wide excision with a Limberg transposition flap and were followed up for longer than 1 year postoperatively. After the first 40 operations, we modified this flap reconstruction by tailoring the rhomboid excision asymmetrically to place the lower pole of the flap 1–2cm lateral to the midline. Wound infection rates, hospitalization, time required for free mobilization, and recurrence rates were recorded.Results. Postoperative infection developed in two patients (0.8%), which was easily managed by wound care, antibiotics, removal of skin staples, prolonged drainage, or a combination of these treatments. The mean hospitalization was 2.10 ± 0.20 days (range 1–3 days), and the mean time required for recovery and return to daily activities was 8.00 ± 2.50 days (range 4–17 days). There were only three recurrences (1.26%) after a mean follow-up of 29.20 ± 3.10 months (range 12–38 months). Since we started performing our modification of the technique by lateralization of the inferior apex, no further recurrences have been seen. The recurrence rate differed significantly between the classical Limberg flap group and the modified Limberg flap group (P = 0.004)Conclusion. These results provide further evidence that wide excision with a Limberg transposition flap reconstruction is an effective surgical method for primary or recurrent pilonidal sinus, associated with a low complication rate, short hospitalization and disability, and a low recurrence rate. A modification of the technique was devised to further enhance wound healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.     

Comparison of Limberg Flap and Tension-Free Primary Closure During Pilonidal Sinus Surgery

Background  

Pilonidal disease is an inflammatory disease seen in the intergluteal region. In this study, our aim was to compare the efficacy of the Limberg flap versus a tension-free primary closure.     

Comparison of Modified Limberg Flap and Karydakis Flap Operations in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: Prospective Randomized Study

The best surgical technique for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is still disputed. The objective of this prospective randomized study is to compare the short and long-term results of modified Limberg flap and Karydakis flap surgeries that have been widely used in recent years. Ninety one patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: modified Limberg flap (MLF; n = 46) and Karydakis flap (KF; n = 45). Preoperative findings of the patients, their surgical findings, and short and long-term postoperative findings were recorded and statistically compared. While no significant difference was discovered between the groups in terms of postoperative analgesic need, hospital stay, postoperative infection rate, drain stay time, painless sitting time, painless toilet-sitting time, and painless walking time, return to work or school time was shorter in the MLF group compared with the KF group (20.61 ± 7.89 days, 23.29 ± 6.42, respectively; P < 0.05). Cosmetically, the visual analog scale (VAS) of the KF group was significantly higher than that of the MLF group (VAS score 7.12 ± 1.28, 5.45 ± 1.77, respectively; P < 0.05). Considering recurrence rates, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Our study found out that short and long-term results of the MLF and KF procedures are similar. We believe both methods can be safely used in surgical PSD treatment given that in the MLF procedure, shorter return-to-work time is achieved, while the procedure provides better cosmetic results.Key words: Pilonidal sinus, Limberg flap, Karydakis flap, Surgical techniquesPilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic inflammation and infection of the sacrococcygeal region. It often affects young adult males and produces clinic findings with abscess and discharge in sacrococcygeal region or painful sinus tract in the natal cleft.^1,2 Its incidence rate is predicted to be minimum 26 and maximum 700 in 100,000, and its incidence rate among Turkish servicemen is reported to be 8.8% in a study.^3,4Discussion as to whether PSD is a congenital disease continued until a few decades ago, and many authors are now convinced that it is an acquired disease. Although theories of Karydakis and Bascom provide the best explanation about the pathogeny of the disease, there is no definite etiology and pathogenesis.^5,6 Male sex, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, jobs that require sitting for long hours, family history, hirsute body habitus, trauma or irritation of the natal cleft, and poor hygienic conditions are among the listed risk factors.^7,8Several methods were defined in order to determine the ideal treatment of PSD. The expectations from an ideal treatment can be listed as simplicity and convenience, good postoperative patient comfort, low complication rate, early return-to-work time and low recurrence rate.⁹ Although several medical and surgical methods exist, ranging from phenol application to complex advancement flaps, no optimal treatment method has been defined yet due to high complication and recurrence rates.^10,11 Recently, lateralization of the natal cleft has gained significance in surgical PSD treatment. The purpose with this method is to prevent recurrence on the midline by removing the cavity in the natal cleft. While this is achieved with the Karydakis flap (KF) by moving the suture laterally, it is achieved in the modified Limberg flap (MLF) operation by flattening the natal cleft with a full-thickness flap.^6,12Our objective is to compare short- and long-term results of Karydakis flap and Modified Limberg flap operations, which have been widely preferred in recent years in surgical treatment of PSD, by conducting a prospective randomized study.     

Limberg Flap Versus Bascom Cleft Lift Techniques for Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus: Prospective, Randomized Trial

Background

Although various methods have been described for surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease, which is best is under debate. Tension-free techniques seem to be most ideal. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two tension-free methods in terms of patient satisfaction, postoperative complications, and early recurrence.

Methods

A group of 122 patients were prospectively included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the operative method used: Limberg flap or Bascom cleft lift. Quality of life scores, pain scores, length of time for healing, hospital stay, surgical area-related complications, excised tissue weight, and early recurrence information were evaluated.

Results

Follow-up of patients in each group was completed. Patients in the Bascom cleft lift group had shorter operation duration, less excised tissue weight, better bodily pain score, and less role limitation due to physical problems score on postoperative day 10. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the other criteria.

Conclusions

Although both techniques provided good results during the early period, the Bascom cleft lift procedure is a reliable technique that provides shorter operation duration and better quality of life during the early postoperative period.     

A New Oval Advancement Flap Design for Reconstruction of Pilonidal Sinus Defect

Backgrounds

Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease of the sacrococcygeal region. Although many surgical methods have been described for treating pilonidal sinus disease, controversy still exists as to the best surgical technique. The aim of this study is to present a new modified advancement flap technique named “omega flap” for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease.

Materials and methods

This study included 18 patients with pilonidal sinus who were treated between March 2012 and August 2014. All cases underwent oval excision and omega advancement flap reconstruction. Defect size, postoperative complications, postoperative pain, painless sitting time, patient satisfaction and recurrence were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

All patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. There was no flap necrosis. No recurrence and no major complication were observed during follow-up period. The outcomes were also satisfactory regarding functionally and aesthetically, and the patients were satisfied with the results.

Conclusions

Presented method has a different geometry than classical advancement flap methods. Our technique provides two-layered repair with minimal tension and off-midline closure for the reconstruction of pilonidal sinus defect. It is easily performed, reliable, associated with no recurrens and good aesthetic results.

     

Outcome of Surgical Management of Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Disease with Rotation Flap in 52 Patients—A Retrospective Study

Background  Surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (SPSD) consists of radical excision of the entire tract and treatment of the resultant raw area. Here, the authors have reviewed the results of the rotation flap for closure of the SPSD. Aim  This study aims to evaluate the outcomes following SPSD excision and rotation flap closure. Materials and Methods  All patients were treated for SPSD with excision and closure using a rotation flap from January 2010 to September 2018. Cases having a follow-up of at least 6 months post surgery were evaluated. Result  A total of 52 patients were included in the study; 42 cases were of primary disease while 10 were of recurrent disease. The patients’ follow-up records on the 3rd day, 10th day, 1 month, and 6 months were evaluated. None of the patients showed any signs of recurrence on follow-ups. One patient developed a hematoma on the third day post surgery which was treated conservatively. One patient developed a seroma in the perianal region on the fifth postoperative day which required aspiration. Both these patients healed well subsequently. Conclusion  Rotation flap is a (simple and reliable) treatment option for closure of postexcision SPSD defect. It not only takes the tension away from suture line, but also pushes the gluteal fat from the sides into the midline, obliterating the deep crevice of the natal cleft which is believed to be one of the important factors in the causation of SPSD, thus minimizing recurrence.     

藏毛窦切除术后切口开放、缝合或皮瓣转移的疗效回顾

目的探讨藏毛窦手术3种不同切口处理方法的临床效果。方法 2005年5月～2009年10月施行藏毛窦手术62例,随访43例,其中单纯切除术12例(切口开放组),切除后缝合18例(切口缝合组),切除后行各种皮瓣转移术13例(皮瓣转移组,包括菱形皮瓣转移6例,椭圆形皮瓣转移5例,三角形皮瓣转移2例)。结果单纯切除组切口愈合时间(70.1±11.6)d,术后第1天疼痛VAS评分(3.7±0.9)分,愈合后切口不适、针刺样疼痛7例,其中2例瘢痕处反复脱皮,无复发。切口缝合组切口愈合时间(34.3±7.6)d,术后第1天疼痛VAS评分(3.7±1.1)分,术后切口渗出10例,裂开5例,皮肤及皮下组织坏死1例,切口不适、针刺样疼痛3例,无复发。皮瓣转移组切口愈合时间(21.2±6.1)d,术后第1天疼痛VAS评分(2.3±0.9)分,切口裂开2例,前8例中2例皮肤表皮层坏死,改善缝合方法后5例无皮肤坏死,切口不适1例,1例复发。结论藏毛窦手术后切口闭合愈合时间较短,不影响手术效果,择期行切口闭合手术应是较好选择。闭合方法的选择根据切口张力的大小而定,张力小时可直接缝合切口,张力大时采用皮瓣转移术。     

Limberg Flap Versus Primary Closure in the Treatment of Primary Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Disease; A Randomized Clinical Trial

Pilonidal sinus is a chronic intermittent disease, usually involving the sacrococcygeal area. This study was undertaken to compare the results of rhomboid excision followed by Limberg flap with that of excision and primary closure in patients with primary pilonidal sinus. A total of 120 patients with pilonidal disease were randomly divided into group A who underwent excision and primary closure (n = 60) and group B who underwent the rhomboid transposition flap procedure (n = 60). Length of hospital stay and postoperative complications in two groups were compared. Duration of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and time to resumption of work (P < 0.001) was less for group B, and postoperative complications were fewer in group B (P < 0.05). During follow-up of 2 years, no recurrence was detected in patients in group B, whereas five patients developed recurrence in group A (P = 0.02). Limberg flap procedure is better than the simple excision and primary closure for the management of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease.     

骶尾部藏毛窦84例诊治体会

目的总结骶尾部藏毛窦的诊断和治疗方法。方法回顾性分析我院2007年1月至2011年1月期间收治的84例骶尾部藏毛窦病例的诊治过程,并结合国内、外相关文献报道进行分析、总结。对骶尾部藏毛窦复发者及瘘道走形长度大于5 cm者采用窦道切除切口敞开术,完整切除病变组织,予以康复新液纱条每日湿敷换药治疗;无复发者且瘘道走形长度小于5 cm者采用切除一期缝合,切口褥式缝合,消灭死腔。结果采用切除一期缝合术者36例,窦道切除切口敞开术者48例。有2例切除一期缝合术者术后半年复发,行窦道切除切口敞开术后以康复新液换药而愈;其余82例均一次性手术治愈。切除一期缝合的伤口愈合时间为14～35 d,平均为26 d;窦道切除切口敞开愈合时间为30～45 d,平均37 d。无一例发生并发症。随访1年以上均无复发。结论术前完善相关检查,明确诊断,根据病情选择合适的手术治疗方式,以及围手术期的合理护理能最大程度地治愈及减少复发的可能性。     

Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus by Radical Excision and Reconstruction by Rotation Flap Surgery Or Z-Plasty Technique

Defects after excision of large pilonidal sinuses were reconstructed by either rotation skin flaps or a Z-plasty technique. Altogether, 16 patients were operated on, 10 with a rotation flap and 6 with a Z-plasty technique. All the patients except one underwent a radical operation. The patient not having a radical operation had a recurrence. Two cases in the Z-plasty group acquired an infection in the distal part of the wound necessitating reoperation on the resultant sinus. The disability after this more extensive surgery was not more pronounced than after ordinary surgical procedures. For large recurrent pilonidal sinuses, radical excision and primary suturing of the wound using a rotation flap is recommended as the method of choice.     

骶尾部藏毛窦的MRI影像表现

目的 总结骶尾部藏毛窦的临床特点及MRI影像学特征。方法 回顾性分析5例经病理证实的骶尾部藏毛窦患者的临床资料及其MRI表现。结果 5例病灶均为骶尾部皮下窦道;窦口位于骶5至尾3椎体水平臀间裂皮肤处;窦道行走于骶尾部皮下,向上走形,走形迂曲或形态不规则;窦道管壁较厚,T2加权成像脂肪抑制（T2WI-FS）呈高信号,T1WI呈低信号,管腔无积脓积液时,T2WI-FS 及T1WI均呈低信号,管腔内积脓或积液时,T2WI-FS呈高信号,T1WI上呈低信号-稍高信号;窦道周围常出现软组织水肿;病灶易合并感染,窦道管壁及周围软组织增强呈明显强化;病变均未累及骶尾骨及肛管。结论 MRI可准确显示藏毛窦的窦道位置、范围及与周围组织之间的关系,在骶尾部藏毛窦的诊断上具有重要的临床价值。     

游离皮瓣血管危象病人探查术后护理

对12例游离皮瓣血管危象病人行探查术,术后做好病人的心理护理,保持病室良好的环境,密切观察皮瓣的温度及色泽,保持正确体位等,结果10例皮瓣成活,2例皮瓣远端部分坏死,行清创游离植皮术后痊愈出院.     

The Role of Early Surgical Debridement and Revascularization in Patients With Diabetes and Deep Foot Space Abscess: Retrospective Review of 106 Patients With Diabetes

One hundred-six patients underwent emergency debridement of a deep foot space abscess. While 43 patients were admitted after an outpatient visit with immediate surgical debridement (group A), 63 patients were transferred from other hospitals after a mean stay of 6.2+/-7.5 days without debridement (group B). No significant differences were observed in the demographic and clinical features between the 2 groups, except for the following differences in group B: higher blood glucose level on admission (P=.015), lower serum albumin level (P=.005), and a more frequent extension of the infection to the heel (P=.005). Eradication of the infection was obtained in group A without amputation in 9 patients, with an amputation of 1 or more rays in 21, with metatarsal amputations in 12, and with a Chopart amputation in 1. In group B, incision and drainage alone were performed in 4 patients, amputation of 1 or more rays in 21, metatarsal amputations in 10, Chopart amputations in 23, and an above-the-ankle amputation in 5. The amputation level was significantly more proximal in group B (chi2=24.4, P<.001). There was no significant difference in the presence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease between the 2 groups (P=.841). Regression logistic analysis showed a significant relationship between the amputation level and the number of days elapsed before debridement (odds ratio, 1.61; P=.015; confidence interval, 1.10-2.36), but not with the presence of peripheral occlusive disease (odds ratio, 1.73; P=.376; confidence interval, 0.29-15.3). These data show that a delay in the surgical debridement of a deep space abscess increases the amputation level. Accuracy in the diagnosis of peripheral occlusive disease and immediate revascularization yield similar outcomes in patients with or without peripheral occlusive disease.     

Elliptical Excision with Midline Primary Closure Versus Rhomboid Excision with Limberg Flap Reconstruction in Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Disease: A Prospective, Randomized Study

To compare elliptical excision with primary midline closure and rhomboid excision with limberg flap reconstruction techniques for the sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. This prospective randomized study of 80 patients of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus was performed in SKIMS medical college from 2004 to 2007. After assigning patients randomly to either of the surgical groups, group A patients (40/80) were operated by using rhomboid excision with limberg flap reconstruction whereas group B patients (40/80) were operated by using elliptical excision with primary midline closure. Data was compiled in terms of operative period required, immediate post operative complications, post operative pain (VAS scores), work-off period, hospital stay and recurrences over a follow up of 3?years for the two study groups. Data thereby collected was analyzed by using Microsoft excel. The parameters in which the two techniques were found to differ significantly were work-off period, immediate post operative complications profiles and recurrence rates. Rhomboid excision with limberg flap reconstruction technique surely outscores elliptical excision with primary midline closure in certain important parameters. While facing a patient with uncomplicated sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, instead of, which procedure for the patient? Surgeons should pose the question why not rhomboid excision with limberg flaps reconstruction?     

Evaluation of the Outcome of Complete Sinus Excision with Reconstruction of the Umbilicus in Patients with Umbilical Pilonidal Sinus

Umbilical pilonidal sinus is a cause of umbilical discharge. In this study, the outcome of complete excision of the umbilical sinus with umbilical reconstruction is considered. Adult patients with umbilical pilonidal sinus who had not undergone any previous surgeries were operated on using a technique that involves complete excision of the sinus after eversion of the umbilicus followed by reconstruction of the umbilicus. Patients were then followed; and wound complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at postoperative visits. A total of 45 patients underwent the operation; 39 (86.5%) were male, and 6 (13.5%) were female. The mean age was 22.6 years (18-27 years). Six male patients had synchronous sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (3-62 months). Only four patients had wound drainage after operation, and all required drainage of the wound. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period, and all patients were satisfied with the appearance of their umbilicus. The technique of complete sinus excision and umbilical reconstruction is an effective and acceptable method for treating umbilical pilonidal sinus and may be recommended for primary treatment of this disease.