title: Comparison of Limberg flap and excision and primary closure of pilonidal sinus disease, in terms of quality of life and complications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare two different treatment methods for pilonidal sinus with respect to complications, recurrence, and patient quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five hundred forty-nine patients who underwent surgery for pilonidal sinus between January 2007 and August 2012 were included in this study. The patients were classified into group I (excision and primary closure) and group II (Limberg flap).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in the mean age and gender of the patients between groups I and II (P = 0.512 and P = 0.472). The duration of surgical operation was lower in group I (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in hospitalization time after surgery, minor complications, and recurrence between the groups (P = 0.674, P = 1.000, and P = 1.000, respectively). The time required for pain-free walking, urinating, and returning to work was significantly lower in group II (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). The patients in group I stated that they were more satisfied in terms of aesthetics (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the results of this study, Limberg flap method has better outcomes compared with excision and primary closure. Therefore, we recommend Limberg flap for treatment of pilonidal sinus disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Bartin State Hospital, Bartin, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ahmet Serdar
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Karaca
authors.forename: Rıdvan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Muzaffer
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Capar
authors.forename: Sezar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karaca
keywords: Complication; Pilonidal sinus; Quality of life