Limberg flap as a Primary Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus at Nepal Mediciti Hospital: A Single Unit Experience

INTRODUCTION: Pilonidal Sinus is a common condition with estimated incidence of 260 per million population with more male predilection and is often seen in sacrococcygeal area but has also been described in other areas with hair. The Limberg rhomboid flap was designed by Limberg in 1946 for the closure of a sixty degree rhombus shaped defect with a transposition flap. We would like to share our single unit experience of Rhomboid Limberg flap for Pilonidal sinus in our hospital. METHODS: This is an ongoing prospective descriptive study in the Department of General Surgery and Digestive Diseases of Nepal Mediciti Hospital from October 2018. The demographic of the patients, presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms and previous interventions are recorded and the Rhomboid Limberg flap surgery is done under regional or general anesthesia in prone position. The patient is given intravenous antibiotic and is instructed to sleep laterally or in prone position for 24 hours. The dressing is removed and the wound is inspected for flap status in the next morning. The patient is discharged on 1st post-operative day on oral antibiotics for 7 days and is followed on 7th post-operative day for removal of suction drain and alternate sutures in the skin and remaining sutures are removed on 10th post-operative day. RESULTS: We have done 28 cases of Limberg flap for Pilonidal Sinus from October 2018 to December 2020 of which 24 were male patients. None of our patients had flap necrosis. One patient presented with accidental removal of suction drain on 5th postoperative day, however he didn’t develop any wound related complication. One patient had superficial wound dehiscence on 10th post-operative day which healed on its own with dressing. One patient developed seroma from 5th postoperative and was managed with dressing and antibiotics and it healed in 2 weeks. None of our patients have developed recurrence and their wounds have healed satisfactorily with minimal scarring and pain. All the patients were able to resume their regular activities within 21 days. All except 2 patients were satisfied with cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION: The Limberg flap is ideal treatment for pilonidal sinus with minimal postoperative pain, short hospital stay, few complications, rapid return to normal activities, good cosmesis, and a low recurrence rate with short learning curve for young surgeons. Hence, Limberg flap should be routinely used as primary treatment for pilonidal sinus.

Compare outcome of simple excision with primary closure vs rhomboid excision with limberg flap for pilonidal sinus

Background: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a common condition usually affecting young-to-middle-aged men. For managing sacrococcygeal pilonidal illness, a variety of lateralizing surgical flap procedures based on this principle have been published, including the Karydakis flap, Limberg flap, modified Limberg flap, Z-plasty, and Y-V advancement flap. Aim: To compare the outcome of simple excision with primary closure versus rhomboid excision with limberg flap for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. Methodology: Randomized control study conducted in Surgery Department, Ghurki Trust Hospital, Lahore. 90 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected from wards and were randomly divided in two equal groups. In group A, patients underwent rhomboid excision with limberg flap. In group B, patients underwent simple excision with primary closure. The operation was performed under spinal anesthesia. After surgery, patients were evaluated every 24 hours if they are able to move on their own then they were discharged and hospital stay was noted. Then after 10 days, patients will be called in OPD for assessment of wound healing. If wound did heal and patient complained of pain (VAS>4) and cannot sit and have fever (temp>100oF) Results: The average age in group A was 44.37±15.42 years while that in group B was 45.24±14.50 years. In group A there were 23(51.1%) males and 22 (48.9%) females whereas in group B there were 25(55.6%) males and 20(44.4%) females. There was difference significant in the mean stay in hospital in both groups (p-value=0.002). Conclusion: The conclusion of the study, that primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease and rhomboid excision with Limberg's flap is an effective treatment. Keywords: Simple Excision with Primary Closure, Rhomboid Excision, Limberg Flap, Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus

D-shape asymmetric excision with primary closure versus limberg flap surgery for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus

Background: Treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease with off-midline closure after excision has been suggested to improve surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes in patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease, who underwent D shaped asymmetrical excision with flap reconstruction and Limberg flap reconstruction.Methods: An analysis of 50 patients was done; 25 were treated with D shaped asymmetrical excision with flap reconstruction and 25 with Limberg flap reconstruction procedure from September 2015 to Feb 2017 and were followed up for six months to 1 year.Results: There were significant difference between group 1 and group 2 with respect to operation time (mean: 40.20±3.19 min and 49.24±3.76 min, p<0.001), blood loss (mean: 45.64±2.93 mland 61.04±3.34 ml, p<0.001). Visual analog scale score was evaluated on postoperative day 15 and 30. On postoperative day 15, VAS score was 2.52±0.77 in group 1 and 3.12±0.97 in group 2. On day 30, VAS score was 1.56±0.77 in group 1 and 2.16±0.94 in group 2, and the differences were statistically significant. The complications were lesser I patients with D shaped asymmetric excision when compared to Limberg flap.Conclusions: The D-shape procedure is an easier and safer treatment option when compared to Limberg flap for the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease owing to the associated low complication rate, short duration to return to normal activity, faster healing, and a high patient satisfaction rate and an easier learning curve.

THE COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN OPEN TECHNIQUES VERSUS LIMBERG FLAP TECHNIQUE IN MANAGEMENT OF SACROCOCCYGEAL PILONIDAL SINUS

Background: Comparative study of laparoscopic and open surgical method in management of peptic ulcer perforation Methods: The present study was conducted in patients presented with perforation peritonitis to the emergency department in G.G.S medical college and hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Faridkot, Punjab in which comparison of the clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open surgical methods for treatment of Gastro duodenal perforation was study. Results: Mean operative time of laparoscopic repair group was higher (158.2±0.64 min) in comparison to open repair group (70.8±0.42 min). In the present study post-operative pain score was assessed in each and every patient using Visual analogue scale. On post-operative day 1, mean VAS for OR Group was significantly higher in comparison to LR Group. Later on postoperative day 3, Majority of patients of in LR group had a highest score of 1-4 while in OR group was score 5-7.Nexton postoperative day 5, again mean VAS for LR patients was less in comparison to OR Group. Conclusion: As this is the first kind of study in our geographical area in which role of alcohol proved to be an important risk factor. Laparoscopic approach for repair of perforated peptic ulcer may offer significant advantage over open repair approach with lesser post-operative pain, lsser postoperative complications like wound infections, comparable reperforation rates and lesser duration of hospital stay. Keywords: Laparoscopic, Open, Repair

A prospective study on limberg flap procedure for pilonidal sinus

Pilonidal sinus is a blind ending track containing hair follicles within it and is primarily a disease involving sacrococcygeal region. The exact etiology of this disease process is unknown and is still controversial. There are various treatment methods for pilonidal sinus and the preferred method is Limberg flap reconstruction surgery due to its less complications and less recurrence. Our study was a prospective study including 28 patients who were admitted for pilonidal sinus and operated by Limberg flap reconstruction surgery at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences And Research from January 2018 to June 2020. Our study included 28 patients, and the female to male ratio is 1:13. Duration of symptoms had a range from 1-4 months and the mean age of the study population was 28.5 year. Patients underwent Limberg flap reconstruction surgery and 89.28% followed a normal course after surgery , 7.14% developed seroma and 3.57% developed surgical site infection in their post-operative period. Limberg flap reconstruction surgery is the most preferred method of treatment for pilonidal sinus because of its low infection and recurrence rates, better aesthetic results after surgery and short duration of hospital stay.

Limberg flap versus primary closure in the treatment of pilonidal sinus: a randomised clinical study

Background: Pilonidal sinus is a chronic disease usually involving the sacrococcygeal area. Various treatment modalities exist, yet few comparison studies exist to compare the efficacy of one modality over the other. Hence this randomized clinical study was undertaken as an attempt to compare the outcomes of pilonidal sinus following Limberg flap procedure and primary closure.Methods: 60 patients undergoing surgery for pilonidal sinus disease were considered for the study. 30 patients underwent excision and primary closure and 30 patients underwent Limberg flap repair. They were followed up for 1 year. Duration of hospital stay, duration of inability to work, postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, and postoperative recurrence in a follow up period were recorded. Descriptive statistics, chi- square tests and independent t-test are the statistical tools employed.Results: Mean age was 29.83±4.99 years. Male:female ratio was 5.66:1. The mean duration of hospitalization in group A was significantly less (p<0.05) than group B. The patients in group B returned early to routine work (21.56±3.92 days) as compared to 30.5±5.92 days in group A (p<0.05). 5 of 30 patients in group A and 2 of 30 in group B developed surgical site infection. (p>0.05. 4 patients developed wound dehiscence in group A only which was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Limberg flap in treatment of pilonidal sinus is associated with shorter hospitalization, early return to routine work and less wound dehiscence as compared with excision and primary closure. Wound infections are comparable with both the modalities.

A Prospective Study of the Clinical Profile of Pilonidal Sinus Disease at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India - Comparison of Limberg Flap Closure and Z-Plasty in Treatment

BACKGROUND Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease is defined as a hair-filled cavity in the subcutaneous fat of the natal cleft (postsacral intergluteal region). This study was done to investigate the prevalence, clinical presentation, body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor; and complications of Limberg flap and Z-plasty, for the reconstruction of defects after excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus in terms of the incidence of seroma, wound infection, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, recurrence, duration of hospital stay and time taken for complete wound healing after the procedure. METHODS This was a prospective study done on 50 patients from January 2018 to October 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in 15 to 50 years of age group presenting with pilonidal sinus disease. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 15.0 statistical analysis software. Significance was assessed at 5 %. RESULTS The mean age of presentation was 25 years with chief complains of swelling, discharge and pain, the mean BMI was 24.39 kg/m2 . Anaerobic infection is more common in the sinus (40 %), and among aerobic organisms, Staphylococcus was the most common organism (19 %). In Limberg flap closure, only one 1 developed wound infection and this same patient had partial wound dehiscence, while in Zplasty group, 3 developed seroma, 2 wound infections and 2 partial flap ischemia. CONCLUSIONS The goals of management of pilonidal sinus diseases include conservative management along with definitive surgical treatment of the disease. Pilonidal abscess is managed by incision and drainage and is followed by definitive treatment, later on. Flap procedures are effective ways to treat the disease, of which Limberg flap is the most reliable flap with minimum complications, lesser hospital stay and faster wound healing. KEYWORDS Pilonidal Sinus, Limberg Flap, Z-Plasty

Modified Limberg Flap Cover for Recurrent Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus: Our Experience at a Medical College In Nepal

Introduction: Pilonidal sinus is an inflammatory disease seen mostly in the intergluteal region of young males. Although any treatment strategy of this condition is generally free of life-threatening complications due to its superficial nature, it is still a feared disease because of recurrence which greatly increases the morbidity. Objective: To investigate the results of wide rhomboid excision and modified Limberg transposition flap reconstruction to treat recurrent pilonidal sinus. Methodology: Well-documented records of all patients with recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus who underwent wide excision and a modified Limberg transposition flap at our center during the past 3 years and followed up for longer than 12 months were analyzed. The modification primarily consisted of an asymmetrically rotated rhomboid excision and lateralization of the lower midline. Patient demographics, days of hospitalization, complications, patient satisfaction and recurrence rates were evaluated. Result: Most patients in the study were overweight. No relationship was detected between BMI and number of sinus openings, hospital stay, drain placement or recurrences but an association with infection was noted. The number of pilonidal sinus orifices did not have a correlation with age, number of previous surgeries, duration of hospital stay or drains placement. The mean duration of hospitalization was 7.89 ± 3.41 days and the mean duration of suction drainage was 6.33±2.87 days. Half of our patients developed complications in the postoperative period. The only patient who developed superficial wound infection stayed the most in the hospital. All patients had some complaints regarding the operation site; however, they were satisfied with the result of the operation and had no recurrence at 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Rhomboid excision of recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus with modified Limberg flap closure is a promising surgical technique with advantages of a good patient satisfaction and no recurrence after a year of surgery.