The Dufourmentel modification of the limberg flap: Does it fit all?

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal disease is a common problem, especially in young adults. Therapy for the acute disease involves abscess incision and drainage. Treatment of the chronic disease is more complicated, due to the variety of methods and relatively high recurrence rate after surgical therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Dufourmentel modification of the Limberg flap in the treatment of pilonidal disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 37 cases of chronic pilonidal disease that were operated on by the method presented. The group included 34 patients with primary disease and three patients with recurrences after primary excision.

RESULTS: The complication rate in the study group was 8.1%, but the complications were successfully treated, surgically in one patient (using the same method) and non-surgically in two other patients. There were also two cases of temporary numbness in the operated area. The only disadvantage of the method presented may be the cosmetic results, but they were not the most important factor for the patients in the study.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors find the Dufourmentel modification of the Limberg flap superior to other methods of treating pilonidal disease due to its flexibility, simplicity of reconstruction, repeatability and good outcomes in terms of the recurrence rate. These factors are extremely important to young and active patients who are diagnosed with pilonidal disease.