Comparison of Primary Simple Closure and Limberg Flap Technique in Pilonidal Sinus

Abstract

Introduction

Pilonidal sinus is a disease affecting the intergluteal region. Many surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of this condition. The objective of this study was to compare Limberg flap technique and primary simple closure in terms of postoperative discharge.

Materials and methods

It was a randomized prospective study conducted at the Department of Surgery—removed for blind review-- from December 2018 to June 2021. Sixty male patients aged 15-30 years presenting with pilonidal sinus for the first time were included in the study. Patients with comorbidities and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class three and above were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into two groups by lottery method. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Chi-square tests were applied. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The postoperative discharge was found in just five (16.3%) of the patients in group A (Limberg flap technique), while the discharge was present in 12 (40%) of the patients in group B (primary simple closure; p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Limberg flap technique is superior to primary simple closure in terms of postoperative discharge.