Results of the Limberg transposition flap in the treatment of pilonidal sinus

The surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus with the Limberg transposition flap will be demonstrated in 40 patients (22 male; 18 female). First step is draining the infect by incision, followed by radical excision of the pilonidal sinus and covering of the defect by a rhomboid transposition flap. In 39 out of 40 cases primary wound healing occurred. No recurrence has yet been encountered. In one case a seroma was observed which was drained and showed secondary wound healing. The mean hospital stay was 7.9 days and the mean time until return to work was about 15 days. We consider the Limberg transposition flap to be an effective treatment of pilonidal sinus disease due to its technical simplicity and low complication rate.     

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.     

4种手术方法治疗藏毛窦的疗效比较

目的比较4种手术方法治疗藏毛窦的临床治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2008年1月至2013年3月期间江苏省中医院肛肠科收治的43例骶尾部藏毛窦患者的临床资料,均接受手术治疗,其中藏毛窦切除＋切口开放术4例（切口开放组）、藏毛窦切除＋切口直接缝合术7例（直接缝合组）、藏毛窦切除＋切口袋形缝合术19例（袋形缝合组）、藏毛窦菱形切除＋Limberg皮瓣转移术13例（皮瓣转移组）。结果①4组患者的一般临床资料比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,具有可比性。②切口开放组、直接缝合组、袋形缝合组和皮瓣转移组的住院时间分别为（16．70±8．69）d、（16．43±10．68）d、（15．84±11．29）d和（14．69±4．01）d,术后平均愈合时间分别为（64．75±6．50）d、（34．57±19．15）d、（35．16±15．49）d和（17．92±4．29）d。4组住院时间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。切口愈合时间皮瓣转移组明显短于其他3组（P〈0．05）,直接缝合组和袋形缝合组均明显短于切口开放组（P〈0．05）,直接缝合组与袋形缝合组间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。③4组的并发症：直接缝合组有2例患者切口部分裂开,2例患者因切口感染行部分拆开;皮瓣转移组1例患者术后切口渗血行部分拆开引流,1例患者出现张力性水泡;其余2组没有发生并发症。切口愈合后随访半年均无复发。结论从本组有限的数据初步得出,藏毛窦术后的闭合方式根据切口张力大小而定,张力小者可行直接缝合,张力大者可行袋形缝合;病变范围广或术后复发的患者可行菱形切除＋Limberg皮瓣转移。     

Sinus laser closure (SiLaC) versus Limberg flap in management of pilonidal disease: A short-term non-randomized comparative prospective study

IntroductionFistula Laser Closure (FiLAC) is a method that was originally applied in the treatment of perianal fistulas. Because of promising results, diode lasers were later on used to treat pilonidal sinus disease in a method called sinus Laser Closure (SiLaC).The aim of this study is to compare between SiLaC and Limberg flap in management of pilonidal disease.MethodsA prospective, nonrandomized comparative study. A short-term follow-up of 71 patients with pilonidal disease was analyzed (24 operated on using the SiLaC technique and 47 using the Limberg technique). With a primary outcome is healing rate and recurrence and a secondary outcome is other measures i.e. complications, hospital stay and postoperative pain.ResultsThe median operative time in the SiLaC group was 26.45 ± 5.41 min (20–35 min) and in the Limberg group 58.63 ± 7.42 min (50–75 min). In the SiLaC group, the primary healing was achieved in 23 out of 24 patients (95.8%) with a total complication rate of 20.83%. There were two cases of recurrence after initial healing in each group.ConclusionSinus laser Closure (SiLaC) is comparable to Limberg flap technique in the terms of healing rate and recurrence with better outcome regarding operative time, hospital stay and post-operative pain.     

Pilonidal sinus: experience with the Limberg flap

A personal series of 162 patients with chronic pilonidal disease was treated by rhombic excision and Limberg transposition flap. Each sinus was totally excised and covered primarily by a fasciocutaneous Limberg flap. Full primary healing was obtained in 161 out of 162 patients. One patient had ischaemia which resulted in necrosis of the flap tips that healed later with a scar. Minor infection occurred in 12 patients (7%). The average hospital stay was 4.2 days, and no patient remained in hospital more than 12 days. The mean follow-up period was 18 months, and three recurrences (2%) have occurred. Surgery for pilonidal sinus should not only eradicate the presenting sinus formation but should also aim to eliminate factors that predispose to formation of another sinus. This can be achieved using a Limberg flap which reduces the depth of the cleft and ensures that all parts of the wound and all suture holes are away from the midline.     

Surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus with the Limberg transposition flap

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease of the sacrococcygeal region. Although many surgical methods have been suggested, an ideal method is still lacking because of high recurrence rates. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in 63 patients who were treated with the use of a rhomboid excision and Limberg flap closure for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 52 months (mean, 25 months). RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-7 days) and the mean time to return to work was 15 days (range, 12-26 days). Early wound complications and recurrence were encountered in 6% and 3%, respectively. Nineteen percent had numbness at the operation site and 63% were not pleased with cosmetic appearance of the scars. CONCLUSIONS: The results favor rhomboid excision and Limberg flap closure in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, especially in recurrent cases and in patients with extensive involvement. Low recurrence rates, shorter hospital stay, and time off from work may outweigh the disadvantages related to unfavorable cosmetic appearance.     

Limberg flap procedure for pilonidal sinus disease: results of 353 patients

Purpose Pilonidal sinus disease is common especially in young adult males. Many surgical and nonsurgical methods have been described. Some surgical techniques for the treatment still have high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate advantages and long term results of Limberg flap surgical technique. Methods From November 2001 to December 2004, 353 patients [335 male, 18 female; average age = 24.65 ± 4.2 (range, 15–53) years] with primary or recurrent pilonidal sinus disease were operated on under spinal anesthesia by rhomboid excision and Limberg flap. Follow-up examinations were made at the end of the 4 weeks and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Results The mean duration of symptoms was 23.28 ± 16.09 (range, 2–140) months. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.51 ± 2.85 (range, 2–19) days. Thirty nine patients (11%) had recurrent disease. Total wound dehiscence and flap necrosis did not occur in any patient. Recurrences were observed in 11 patients (3.1%) at the end of the follow up period. Conclusion Quick healing time, short hospital stay, early return to daily life, low complication and recurrence rate are the important advantages of the Limberg flap procedure. We think using closed suction drain in Limberg flap operation is not necessary. In the light of this study results, Limberg flap surgical technique may be an ideal operation for pilonidal sinus disease.     

Limberg flap reconstruction for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease

Pilonidal disease is a common chronic disorder of the sacrococcygeal area affecting young people. Recent reports have advocated different surgical approaches, such as open or closed technique, but recurrence complicates all forms of treatment. We conducted this case review to evaluate the validity of Limberg flap reconstruction method in the treatment of chronic recurrent pilonidal disease. In the period between September 2003 and December 2004, 32 male patients with complicated/recurrent pilonidal disease were operated on using the Limberg flap reconstruction method. The patients' mean age was 26.4 + 1.6 years (range 19-47 years). All patients fared well, had a satisfactory wound healing, had minimal pain and were mobilized immediately after surgery. They stayed at hospital for 6 to 32 hours. No patient had serious wound infection or flap ischemia. They all returned to normal activity within 4 to 12 days. Follow-up ranged between 14 and 28 months. No patient had recurrence during the above period. Limberg flap reconstruction has several advantages compared to the classical surgical methods for the treatment of pilonidal disease. The patients have a short hospital stay, are mobilized soon after surgery and have a minimal morbidity and recurrence rate.     

The Limberg flap repair for complex and recurrent pilonidal disease

Pilonidal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease which has significant negative impact on quality of life. Numerous treatment methods have been described for pilonidal sinus disease. However recurrence is a major concern for both patients and healthcare providers. More aggressive surgical methods such as flap-based off-midline procedures are the most common surgical treatment methods for complex or recurrent pilonidal disease. The Limberg flap is one of the best described flap-based surgical methods. In this review, we highlight the technical details and postoperative short and long-term outcomes of the Limberg flap procedure which is our preferred surgical technique, with low rates of complications and recurrence.     

A comparison of flap reconstruction vs the laying open technique or excision and direct suture for pilonidal sinus disease: A meta‐analysis of randomised studies

Many treatments have been described for pilonidal disease, but recurrence cannot be completely eliminated. The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of randomised, controlled trials comparing flap repair vs the laying open technique and/or excision and direct closure techniques in the treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus disease. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were complete wound‐healing time, duration of the incapacity to work, quality of life and patient satisfaction, postoperative pain, wound infection, bleeding or haematoma, skin wound complications, and duration of hospital stay. Seventeen studies were included. The meta‐analysis demonstrated a lower risk of recurrence, a shorter duration of incapacity to work, a lower risk of wound infections, a lower risk of skin wound complications, and a shorter duration of hospitalisation in favour of flap vs direct closure. A shorter time to complete wound healing and a shorter duration of incapacity to work for flap vs the laying open technique were observed. Superiority of flap repair vs direct closure in pilonidal sinus treatment was demonstrated in this meta‐analysis. These results suggest avoiding primary direct closure in clinical practice. Compared with the laying open technique, flaps result in faster healing and a shorter time to return to activities.     

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.     

Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications and Recurrence

The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors for complications and recurrence in pilonidal sinus disease. The prospective study consisted of 144 patients with pilonidal sinus disease who were operated on at Dicle University Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery, between February 2008 and December 2010. Patients receiving the Limberg flap totaled 106 (73.6%), while 38 (26.4%) had primary closure. Postoperative complications developed in 42 subjects (29.2%), and recurrence occurred in 19 (13.2%). The Limberg flap method was statistically considered as a risk factor for postoperative complications (P  =  0.039). Regarding recurrence, family tendency (P  =  0.011), sinus number (P  =  0.005), cavity diameter (P  =  0.002), and primary closure (P  =  0.001) were found to be risk factors. Postoperative complication rate is higher in the Limberg flap method than primary closure method. The risk of recurrence is related to family tendency, sinus number, cavity diameter and anesthesia type and is also higher in primary closure.     

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.     

藏毛窦外科治疗的疗效分析

目的探讨骶尾部藏毛窦外科治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2007年7月至2014年2月南京中医药大学第一附属医院收治的骶尾部藏毛窦33例患者的临床资料,其中18例行藏毛窦切除+袋形缝合术,15例行藏毛窦菱形切除+Limberg皮瓣转移术。结果18例行藏毛窦切除+袋形缝合术经一次手术治愈。15例行藏毛窦菱形切除+Limberg皮瓣转移术均痊愈,其中5例出现切口部分裂开或坏死延迟愈合,均经常规换药引流后愈合。藏毛窦菱形切除+Limberg皮瓣转移术愈合时间较藏毛窦切除+袋形缝合术短[(19±7)d比(37±12)d,t=6.556,P<0.01].袋形缝合术组术后复发1例,复发率5.6%,Limberg皮瓣转移术组术后无1例复发,2组复发率相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论藏毛窦菱形切除+Limberg皮瓣转移术与藏毛窦切除+袋形缝合术均可有效治疗藏毛窦,对于复杂性和复发病例尽可能选择皮瓣转移技术。     

Suture granuloma mimicking a recurrent sacro‐coccygeal pilonidal sinus after Limberg flap

Sacro‐coccygeal pilonidal sinus disease is classified as an asymptomatic, acutely abscess‐forming or chronic subcutaneous inflammation in the sacro‐coccygeal region featuring characteristic pits in the bottom cleft. Due to high rates of recurrence, two flap techniques have been established in the course of the past three decades. One of them is the Karydakis operation, the other option is a rotation flap named Limberg procedure. We report about a case of suture granuloma in the area of a Limberg flap after recurrent pilonidal sinus with extrusion of the suture material, thus mimicking recurrence. In case of recurrent pilonidal sinus following plastic coverage or primary closure, respectively, the differential diagnosis of suture granuloma should be considered.     

A useful alternative surgical technique to reconstructing large defects following excision of recurrent pilonidal sinus disease in the intergluteal region: An operative approach for the transverse lumbar artery perforator flap

The reconstruction of defects in the intergluteal region following pilonidal sinus excision is challenging due to its anatomical location, close proximity to the anus, and being a high‐tension area prone to wound‐healing problems. Excision and primary closure is known to carry a higher risk of recurrence and subsequent complications compared with using nearby local healthy tissue, such as a flap, to reconstruct defect. Extra due diligence should be given to patient selection and flap choice when deciding the reconstruction of a defect. The senior author, who has briefly reviewed complication rates in previous published literature, prefers the transverse lumbar artery perforator (TLAP) flap for reconstruction following pilonidal sinus excision in the intergluteal region. This paper illustrates the operative approach used by the senior author when raising a TLAP flap.     

Plastisch-chirurgisches Therapiekonzept des infizierten Sinus pilonidalis

INTRODUCTION: Infected sinus pilonidalis is common in young patients, causing much discomfort. Up to now, many different therapy options have been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longterm results for infected pilonidal sinus disease after primary drainage of the abscess, secondary rhomboid excision, and Limberg flap procedure. METHODS: 38 patients (5 female, 33 male, mean age 27,mean BMI 26.7 kg/m(2)) suffering from infected pilonidal sinus were first treated by incision of the abscess. After control of the inflammation (8-14 days), radical excision of the pilonidal sinus and defect closure by the Limberg flap procedure were performed. RESULTS: Two patients (5.2%) developed seroma and two (5.2%) developed infected hematoma. During follow-up, one patient (2.6%) showed recurrence. In 33 (87%), postoperative course and follow-up were uneventful (mean 23 months, range 1-36). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 1-4). CONCLUSIONS: In infected sinus pilonidalis disease, primary drainage of the abscess by incision, secondary radical rhomboid excision, and the Limberg flap procedure to close the defect can be recommended as a good therapeutic option due to its low complication rate, acceptable long-term results, and simple operative technique.     

Retrospective Review of Pilonidal Sinus Patients With Early Discharge After Limberg Flap Procedure

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of cases with pilonidal sinus (PS) disease that underwent Limberg flap (LF) transposition and to compare the short and long-term results of early discharge cases with those in the literature. A total of 345 patients who underwent rhomboid excision and LF transposition for PS were evaluated retrospectively. No major anesthetic or surgical complications occurred. Partial wound dehiscence, localized flap necrosis, hematoma, wound infection, and seroma rates were determined as 4.0, 2.1, 1.5, 3.3, and 3.7% respectively. All patients other than those with a hematoma or localized necrosis were discharged with a drain in place 24 hours after the operation. The recurrence rate was 3.9% after a mean 33.1-month follow-up (range, 6–72 months). As a result, we found that short and long-term results of patients who underwent LF and were discharged 24 hours after the operation were similar to those in the literature. We suggest that patients without postoperative complications, such as hematoma or flap necrosis, can be discharged early.Key words: Pilonidal sinus, Hospitalization time, Limberg flap, Postoperative complicationsPilonidal sinus (PS) is a common, chronic, benign disease of young adulthood that is encountered more commonly in males than in females. PS is not a major surgical challenge. However, considering the gender and age group it mainly affects, it is a serious condition that can cause significant loss of work and school in every community.¹The objectives for treating PS disease are minimal tissue loss, minimal postoperative morbidity, rapid return to daily activities and work, acceptable cosmetic results, minimal recurrence rate, and low cost. Although many surgical and nonsurgical techniques have been reported, no ideal treatment that provides all of these positive results is known.²In this study, the short and long-term results of patients treated with the Limberg flap (LF) technique are reported, and the results of those discharged 24 hours postoperatively are discussed in light of data in the literature.     

The effects of perioperative antibiotherapy on surgical site infections in sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus treated with rhomboid excision and Limberg transposition procedure

Pilonidal sinus disease is a common disorder. We aimed to evaluate the effects of perioperative antibiotherapy on surgical site infections in pilonidal sinus patients who were treated with rhomboid excision with Limberg transposition procedure. A total of 104 patients between 18 and 40 years of age (52 males, 52 females) were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups and evaluated because of the administration of perioperative antibiotherapy. On the 10th‐day, first‐month, and third‐month follow ups, the status of the wound was recorded. No significant difference was found between the ages, gender distribution, and smoking. Wound dehiscence rate was higher in the non‐antibiotic group on the 10th‐day, first‐month, and third‐month follow up, whereas the rate of superficial infection was higher in the antibiotic group. None of the patients had any signs of recurrence. Antibiotic administration did not provide a significant advantage in terms of wound healing, surgical site infection, and recurrence. We think that perioperative antibiotherapy, except for patients with immunosuppression, diffuse cellulitis, or a major coexisting disease who were treated with rhomboid excision with Limberg transposition procedure, does not have any effect on healing surgical site infections and delaying early recurrence.