Excision with primary midline closure compared with Limberg flap in the treatment of sacrococcy-geal pilonidal disease: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND Although several surgical techniques for treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SPND) have been described, there is no consensus on the optimal surgical procedure. In this study we compared excision with primary closure and Limberg flap in the treatment of SPND. METHODS This was a prospective randomised clinical trial in patients with SPND who were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group I (excision and primary closure) and group II (Limberg flap technique). The primary outcome of the trial was recurrence of SPND whereas postoperative complications, return to work and cosmetic results were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS Sixty patients were included, with a mean age of 24.1 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.8 kg/m(2). Group 1 had significantly shorter operation time than group II. Both groups had similar hospital stay and comparable complication rates (43.3% vs 30%; P = 0.4). Group I had significantly higher recurrence rate (20% vs 0; P < 0.02) and significantly better cosmetic satisfaction score than group II. Being hairy (P = 0.04), positive family history (P = 0.03), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.005) and history of previous surgery for SPND (P = 0.01) were the significant predictors for recurrence. CONCLUSION The Limberg flap is an effective technique for the treatment of SPND with very low recurrence rate and comparable complication rate and hospital stay to excision and primary closure. Excision and primary closure offered the advantages of quicker healing time, earlier resumption of daily activities, better cosmetic results, which may render it more suitable for patients with low risk for recurrence.