Surgical Treatment of Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus with a Leaf Flap

Abstract

Background: Pilonidal sinus, occurring in 7% of the population, is a disease found in the cleavage of the buttocks, typically in young males after puberty. This study explored the utility of the leaf flap, a unilobed fasciocutaneous transposition flap, as a reconstructive method for treating pilonidal sinus on the sacrococcygeal area.Methods: We present cases of eight patients with pilonidal sinus who underwent unilobed fasciocutaneous transposition flap surgery. Patients complaining of an abscess in the sacrococcygeal region were initially treated with a minimal incision to drain the abscess, and 14 days of antibiotics administration. Afterwards, the patients were re-evaluated at the outpatient clinic and scheduled for a leaf flap procedure 4 weeks after drainage. Hospitalization, the time required for full activity, and complication rates were recorded.Results: Minor postoperative complications were observed in one patient (12.5%). The patient required re-suturing of his wound due to an infection and wound dehiscence. The mean hospitalization was 10 days (range, 5–23 days), and the period required to return to daily activities was 4 weeks.Conclusion: The leaf flap procedure is recommended because it is a relatively easy method for surgeons, and also because the flap has abundant perfusion. This surgical method was used as the first treatment of choice for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, with the advantages of less patient discomfort, fast healing of the site and short hospitalization. Our results support the leaf flap surgery as a favored treatment for pilonidal sinus.