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Comparative study of open excision technique versus Limberg flap reconstruction inthe management ofsacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus

https://doi.org/10.29413/ABS.2025-10.1.24

Abstract

Background. Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a common condition in the natal cleft that typically requires surgical intervention. This study compares the outcomes of two surgical techniques for this condition: open excision and Limberg flap reconstruction.

The aim of the study. To conduct a comparative evaluation of the open excision versus Limberg flap inmanaging sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus todetermine the relative advantages of the Limberg flap technique.

Materials and methods. This prospective study involved 70  randomly selected patients diagnosed with pilonidal sinus disease. Thirty-five patients underwent open excision, while 35 underwent Limberg flap reconstruction.

Results. The study found that the open excision method (1st method) had an average surgical duration of 33 minutes, while the Limberg flap method (2nd method) had an  average duration of  40  minutes. Patients in  the  1st method group recovered in 3–4 weeks, while those in the 2nd method group recovered in 12–15 days. The 1st method had two cases of wound infections and three recurrences, whereas the  2nd  method had one case of  seroma and no  recurrence. The  postoperative pain-free period ranged from 15–17  days for  the  1st  method and 12–15  days for the 2nd method.

Conclusion. The Limberg flap technique excels in managing the pilonidal sinus. It offers faster healing, lower pain scores, an earlier return to standard functions, and lower recurrence rates, making it an attractive choice for treating this condition. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the comparative outcomes of these two surgical approaches, highlighting the advantages of the Limberg flap technique in managing the sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

About the Authors

S. M. Ali
Jabir Ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Iraq

Sahal Mohammed Ali – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Fellow of Iraqi Board of Medical Specialties (General Surgery), Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, 

Corniche str., Al-Kufa 54003, Al-Najaf Governorate



R. F. Mohammed
Jabir Ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Iraq

Raad Fadhil Mohammed – Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, 

Corniche str., Al-Kufa 54003, Al-Najaf Governorate



K. I. Mahmood
Hammurabi College of Medicine, University of Babylon
Iraq

Karrar Ibrahim Mahmood – Assistant Professor, Fellow of Iraqi Commission for Medical Specializations, Lecturer at the Department of Surgery, 

Hillah Najaf Road, 60, Hillah 51002, Babylon Governorate



S. H. Kadhim
Hammurabi College of Medicine, University of Babylon
Iraq

Salah Hadi Kadhim – Assistant Professor, Fellow of Iraqi Commission for Medical Specializations, Lecturer at the General Surgery Department, 

Hillah Najaf Road, 60, Hillah 51002, Babylon Governorate



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Review

For citations:


Ali S.M., Mohammed R.F., Mahmood K.I., Kadhim S.H. Comparative study of open excision technique versus Limberg flap reconstruction inthe management ofsacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. Acta Biomedica Scientifica. 2025;10(1):230-237. https://doi.org/10.29413/ABS.2025-10.1.24

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