title: The Limberg flap procedure in the treatment of pilonidal cyst disease of the sacrum - initial report.
abstract: Pilonidal cyst disease mainly concerns young people, aged between 16 and 25 years. The disease causes significant pain, considerable discomfort and impairs daily functioning, often resulting in an inability to work and study. Many techniques have been introduced in the treatment of pilonidal cysts, but till today no gold standard has been established. The aim of the study was to present initial results considering the treatment of pilonidal cyst disease with the use of a skin flap by means of Limberg's method.
  
  
  METHODS
  During the period between January, 2012 and March, 2013, 10 patients were operated due to pilonidal cysts using the Limberg flap procedure. All patients presented with the chronic form of the disease and were after previous surgical incisions. Pain considering patients was evaluated using the visual pain scale (VAS), one and 10 days after the operation. Patients reported for control 10 days, one month, and 6 months after the surgical procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The planned procedure was safely performed in all cases. There were no complications during the procedure, nor late postoperative complications. We observed no wound infection or dehiscence in all operated patients. The mean follow-up time of the presented group was 13.32 months (ranging between 7.53‑21.57). During the follow-up period there was no episode of recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of the skin flap by means of Limberg's method after excision of the pilonidal cyst in the sacrum area is a good method, which provides a very low percentage of recurrences and complications. Fast return to daily activities, no significant pain in patients, and an acceptable cosmetic result are strong reasons in favor of the above-mentioned method. Preliminary observations and experience enable to recommend this method for the treatment of pilonidal cysts in the vicinity of the sacrum.
authors.forename: Arkadiusz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spychała
authors.forename: Dawid
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Murawa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010864:Pilonidal Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult