Surgical outcomes of Limberg flap reconstruction for pilonidal disease: a five-case series and literature review

Karla A. Becerra; Eduardo D. Cruz; Diana A. Gonzalez; Hugo E. Estrada

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20264200

Authors

Karla A. Becerra Department of Surgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Puebla, Puebla, México
Eduardo D. Cruz Department of Surgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Puebla, Puebla, México
Diana A. Gonzalez Department of Surgery, Hospital de Especialidades, Puebla, Puebla, México
Hugo E. Estrada Department of Coloproctology, Hospital General de Mexico / Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20264200

Keywords:

Pilonidal disease, Limberg flap, Surgical management, Recurrence, Case series

Abstract

Pilonidal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the sacrococcygeal region associated with significant morbidity, wound complications and recurrence. Various surgical techniques have been described, with off-midline closure methods demonstrating improved outcomes. The Limberg flap is widely used because it enables wide excision, tension-free off-midline closure, and low reported recurrence rates. We present a case series of five patients with pilonidal disease treated with excision and Limberg flap reconstruction. Clinical presentation, operative management, postoperative complications, and follow-up outcomes were evaluated. All patients achieved complete wound healing. Three patients developed partial wound dehiscence, which healed by secondary intention with conservative management, and one patient developed a postoperative abscess requiring incision and drainage. No recurrence was documented during the available follow-up period, which ranged from 2 to 4 months. These findings support the Limberg flap as a feasible surgical option for pilonidal disease, including recurrent and complicated presentations, with satisfactory wound healing and manageable postoperative complications.

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