title: Surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus with the Limberg transposition flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease of the sacrococcygeal region. Although many surgical methods have been suggested, an ideal method is still lacking because of high recurrence rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study was conducted in 63 patients who were treated with the use of a rhomboid excision and Limberg flap closure for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 52 months (mean, 25 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-7 days) and the mean time to return to work was 15 days (range, 12-26 days). Early wound complications and recurrence were encountered in 6% and 3%, respectively. Nineteen percent had numbness at the operation site and 63% were not pleased with cosmetic appearance of the scars.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results favor rhomboid excision and Limberg flap closure in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, especially in recurrent cases and in patients with extensive involvement. Low recurrence rates, shorter hospital stay, and time off from work may outweigh the disadvantages related to unfavorable cosmetic appearance.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Vakif Gureba Training Hospital, 34250 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ramazan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eryilmaz
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: Orhan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Alimoglu
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dasiran
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010864:Pilonidal Sinus / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region; D013524:Surgical Flaps