Comparison of Limberg Flap and Karydakis Flap Repair in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: A Prospective Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic inflammation and infection of the sacrococcygeal region. It often affects young adult males and produces clinical findings with abscess and discharge in the sacrococcygeal region or painful sinus tract in the natal cleft. The best surgical technique for sacrococcygeal PSD is still disputed. This study aimed to compare the Karydakis flap technique (KFT) and Limberg flap technique (LFT) used in the surgical treatment of the sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. Methodology A total of 140 patients diagnosed with pilonidal sinus between 2010 and 2012 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, namely, LFT (n = 73) and KFT (n = 67). Preoperative findings of the patients, surgical findings, and short and long-term postoperative findings were recorded and statistically compared. Results Regarding cosmetic results, the Karydakis flap was better than the Limberg flap with a faster return to normal life. There was no statistical difference between the two groups concerning wound dehiscence, postoperative visual analog scale scores, seroma formation, and recurrence. Conclusions Considering the faster return to normal life and greater cosmetic satisfaction of the patients, the KFT should be chosen instead of the LFT as the standard technique in pilonidal sinus surgery.