Comparing keystone and Limberg flaps for pilonidal sinus: Does flap choice influence patient satisfaction?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic condition that mainly affects young adults impairing the quality of life. Among several surgical options, flap reconstruction offers faster healing and lower recurrence. This randomized comparative study evaluated the keystone perforator island flap (KSF) versus the Limberg flap (LF) in PSD repair, focusing primarily on patient satisfaction depending on the flap type, alongside perioperative outcomes following PS excision as secondary outcomes. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with simple PSD were randomized equally to undergo KSF or LF reconstruction after sinus excision. Operative data, complications, and recovery metrics were recorded. Patient satisfaction, the primary endpoint, was assessed at 6 months using a validated 5-point scale. Statistical analysis employed the t-test, chi-squared test, and multivariate linear regression to identify independent predictors of satisfaction (p < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: The KSF group showed shorter operative time (54.9 ± 3.7 versus 73.4 ± 7.9 min, p < 0.001), faster wound healing (13.5 ± 3.1 versus 17.1 ± 3.5 days, p < 0.001), and earlier return to activity (6.8 ± 0.8 versus 8.5 ± 0.8 days, p < 0.001). Complications were lower (24% versus 56%, p = 0.02). Satisfaction was significantly higher with KSF (96% versus 72%, p = 0.046). Regression analysis identified wound-healing time (p = 0.008) and return to activity (p < 0.001) as the independent predictors of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The KSF provides faster recovery, better comfort, and higher patient satisfaction than the LF. Functional recovery parameters, rather than flap type alone, are the strongest determinants of postoperative satisfaction.