Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life following the Karydakis Flap Procedure for Pilonidal Sinus Treatment.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the Karydakis flap procedure performed by a single surgeon for the treatment of pilonidal sinus, focusing on postoperative complications, recurrence rate, wound healing time, and return to daily life.

Methods: Authors performed a retrospective data analysis of patients who underwent reconstruction of pilonidal sinus using the Karydakis technique at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Center for Severe Burn Injuries of Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, Germany, between 2014 and 2021. All cases were performed by a single surgeon. Patients were requested to attend a follow-up appointment in person or, if this was not possible, by telephone.

Results: A total of 103 patients were enrolled in the study. The postoperative complication rate was 11.7%. Revision surgery was required in 4.9% of patients because of a complication. Wound healing time was on average 21.4 days postoperatively. A total of seven patients (6.8%) had a recurrence within 59 months postoperatively.

Conclusions: The Karydakis flap is a robust reconstructive off-midline procedure for the treatment of pilonidal sinus. Relatively few postoperative complications and a low recurrence rate are advantages of the surgical procedure. Based on the results of quality-of-life factors, patients experience early functional return to daily life after the Karydakis flap procedure.