Publication:

A modified surgical approach to sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease:our experience

Background Pilonidal disease is a fairly common condition encountered in clinical practice with recurrent follicular infection being the causative factor. Inspite of many surgical options available, controversy still exists for the best procedure. Pilonidal disease has been treated for a long time with the conventional open excision technique. Limberg procedure is a safe and reliable technique in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease, with low complications and recurrence rates if performed according to appropriate surgical principles. Epilation is a very useful adjunct to the surgery for Pilonidal disease to prevent recurrence, which is almost a rule.

Methods In our study we recruited 27 patients of pilonidal disease who underwent modified Limberg flap procedure and were followed up for two years post-surgery. All the patients were subjected to epilation in preoperative period and post operatively for 6 months.

Results During our study period (2011-2016) 27 patients were enrolled with a median age of 25 years and were followed up 2 years post-surgery. 22 patients were males while 5 were females, 13 were recurrent cases with previous history of one or more surgeries, 11 cases had a sinus without any surgical intervention in the past and 3 had an abscess. There was no recurrence noted for a follow up period of 2 years and there was no flap failure as well.

Conclusions Modified Limberg flap with epilation for pilonidal disease is safe and easy to perform with minimal morbidity, early recovery and no recurrence.