Rhomboid excision and Limberg flap operation for managing pilonidal sinus: our experience at Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Pilonidal sinus is a common disease. Various surgical techniques for management of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus have been described. Among them, the most commonly used is the rhomboid excision with the Limberg flap. With this technique of flattening the natal cleft and tension-free repair is made using a wide, well-vascularized flap. It is reported the best treatment methods, with 0-16 % of surgical area-related complications and a recurrence rate of 0-5 %. We conducted a study to evaluate the patient’s profile and outcomes of the patients of pilonidal sinus treated with rhomboid excision and Limberg flap reconstruction at our center.

Methods: Data were recorded retrospectively by reviewing the charts of patients who underwent rhomboid excision and Limberg flap operation for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus from September 2015 to September 2019.

Results: Thirty-four patients were included in the study. Twenty-nine (85.4%) were males and 5 (14.7%) were females. The mean age was 25.29 years (range 17-40 years). Mean hospital stay was 4.5 days (range 3 – 7 days. Nine (26.5%) patients had surgical site infections. Two patients (5.9%) had a recurrence.

Conclusion: Limberg flap for reconstruction after rhomboid excision of pilonidal sinus is an effective and feasible technique with good outcome.