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Flap Procedure (flap + procedure)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Surgery & Surgical Specialties	38%
Periodontology	23%

Selected Abstracts

Treatment results of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 9 2008
Arno Wutzl MD
Abstract Background. Osteonecrosis of the jaws occurs after the administration of bisphosphonates. An unequivocal treatment strategy is yet to be devised. We assess the treatment of patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). Methods. The investigators studied a prospective cohort of 58 patients 6 months after surgical treatment of BRONJ. Outcome variables were the status of the mucosa, the visual analog score of pain, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Preoperative staging results were compared with the postoperative outcome and statistically evaluated. Results. Of 58 patients, 41 surgically treated patients could be followed up after a mean period of 189 (±23) days. Twenty-four (58.5%) were free of pain and had an intact mucosa. A statistically significant improvement was registered between preoperative and postoperative staging (p <.01); 11 of 12 patients who had been treated with a flap procedure for soft tissue closure had an intact mucosa. Conclusions. This is the first prospective study to report the outcome of treatment in a cohort of patients with BRONJ. Minimal resection of necrotic bone and local soft tissue closure might be a feasible treatment strategy in patients with established BRONJ. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008 [source]

Coronally advanced flap: a modified surgical approach for isolated recession-type defects: Three-year results

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
M. De Sanctis
Abstract Background: Various modifications of the coronally displaced flap have been proposed in the literature with the attempt of treating gingival recession with uneven predictable results. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness with respect to root coverage of a modification of the coronally advanced flap procedure for the treatment of isolated recession-type defects in the upper jaw. Methods: Forty isolated gingival recessions with at least 1 mm of keratinized tissue apical to the defects were treated with a modified approach to the coronally advanced flap. The main change in the surgical procedure consisted in the modification of flap thickness and dimension of surgical papillae during flap elevation. All recessions fall into Miller class I or II. The clinical re-evaluation was performed 1 year and 3 years after the surgery. Results: At the 1-year examination, the average root coverage was 3.72±1.0 mm (98.6% of the pre-operative recession depth) and 3.64±1.1 mm (96.7%) at 3 years. The gain in probing attachment amounted to 3.65±1.10 mm at 1 year and to 3.70±1.09 mm at 3 years. The average increase of keratinized tissue between the baseline and the 3-year follow-up amounted to 1.78±0.90 mm. All changes of keratinized tissue (difference between baseline and 1 year, baseline and 3 years, and between 1 and 3 years) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The modified coronally advanced surgical technique is effective in the treatment of isolated gingival recession in the upper jaw. [source]

Treatment of intrabony defects with guided tissue regeneration and enamel-matrix-proteins

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 7 2000
An experimental study in monkeys
Abstract Background: Enamel matrix proteins (EMD) have recently been introduced in regenerative periodontal treatment. However, no histological data are yet available concerning the effect of treating intrabony periodontal defects with EMD, and no histological comparisons have been made comparing the result of treatment of intrabony defects with EMD with that of the treatment with guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Aim: Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically in monkeys the effect of treating intrabony defects with EMD, GTR or combined EMD and GTR. Method: Intrabony periodontal defects were produced surgically at the distal aspect of teeth 14, 11, 21, 24, 34, 31, 41 and 44 in 3 monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). In order to prevent spontaneous healing and to enhance plaque accumulation metal strips were placed into the defects. After 6 weeks the defects were exposed using a full-thickness flap procedure. The granulation tissue was removed and the root surfaces were debrided by means of hand instruments. Subsequently, the defects were treated using one of the following therapies: (i) GTR, (ii) EMD, or (iii) combination of EMD and GTR. The control defects were treated with coronally repositioned flaps. After 5 months, the animals were sacrificed and perfused with 10% buffered formalin for fixation. Specimens containing the defects and surrounding tissues were dissected free, decalcified in EDTA and embedded in paraffin. 8 ,m thick histological sections were cut and stained and subsequently examined under the light microscope. Results: In the control specimens, the healing was characterized by a long junctional epithelium and limited periodontal regeneration (i.e., new periodontal ligament, new cementum with inserting connective tissue fibers and new bone) in the bottom of the defect. The GTR-treated defects consistently presented periodontal regeneration when the membranes were not exposed whereas the sites treated only with EMD presented regeneration to a varying extent. The combined therapy did not seem to improve the results. Conclusion: It can be concluded that all 3 treatment modalities favor periodontal regeneration. [source]

Is coronally positioned flap procedure adjunct with enamel matrix derivative or root conditioning a relevant predictor for achieving root coverage?

JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007
A systemic review
Background and Objective:, This study is a systemic review of coronally positioned flap, coronally positioned flap + chemical root surface conditioning, or coronally positioned flap + enamel matrix derivative (EMD) for the treatment of Miller class I and II gingival recession. Material and Methods:, All studies available through the Medline database by the end of October 2005 were used. Each study provided mean clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue, probing pocket depth, gingival recession depth and root coverage percentage before and after treatment with coronally positioned flap alone, coronally positioned flap + chemical root surface conditioning , or coronally positioned flap + EMD. Effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the weighted mean average in gingival recession depth, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue and root coverage percentage achieved with the three treatments. Results:, Seven studies for the coronally positioned flap + EMD group, four studies for the coronally positioned flap + chemical root surface conditioning group, and seven studies for the coronally positioned flap group were retrieved for this weighted mean analysis. The results of clinical attachment level, gingival recession depth, and root coverage percentage in the coronally positioned flap + EMD group were statistically significantly better than the changes in the coronally positioned flap and coronally positioned flap + chemical root surface conditioning group at 6 and 12 mo (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference at the 6-mo comparison among clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue, probing pocket depth, and gingival recession depth, except in the root coverage percentage for coronally positioned flap and coronally positioned flap + chemical root surface conditioning groups. Conclusion:, The results suggest that root coverage by the coronally positioned flap and coronally positioned flap + chemical root surface conditioning procedures were unpredictable but became more predictable when the coronally positioned flap procedure was improved by the modification of adding EMD. [source]

Versatility of vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps

MICROSURGERY, Issue 5 2006
Markus V. Küntscher M.D., Ph.D.
The purpose of the study was to demonstrate a variety of indications for the vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flap with respect to donor-site morbidity and alternative procedures. Fifteen VRAM flaps were performed in 15 patients during a 4-year period. The average age of patients was 58 years (range, 34,76 years). Inferiorly based VRAM flaps were used for defect coverage after tumor resection and for penile reconstruction in 7 cases. Superiorly based VRAM flaps were performed in 7 cases for reconstruction of osteocutaneous defects following sternal osteomyelitis and tumor resection. Arterial and venous "supercharging" was necessary in one case. One free VRAM flap was performed in a patient suffering from an osteocutaneous defect after resection of a malignant melanoma metastasis with infiltration of the brain and skull. The reconstructive goals were achieved in all cases using VRAM flap procedures. No total flap loss occurred. Minor complications as well as abdominal wall bulging and hernias were observed in four cases. The pedicled VRAM flap provides a reliable tool for coverage of large soft-tissue defects of the chest wall, groin, hip, and perineum even in a high-risk population, in which a safe and fast forward flap procedure is the primary reconstructive goal. Arterial and/or venous supercharging may be necessary, particularly in superiorly based VRAM flaps. An inferiorly based VRAM flap is a reliable tool for phalloplasty under special circumstances. The indication for free VRAM flaps is given in rare clinical situations. Stabilization of the donor site using artificial mesh is highly recommended. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006. [source]

PILONIDAL DISEASE IN SINGAPORE: CLINICAL FEATURES AND MANAGEMENT

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2000
H. C. Lee
Background: Pilonidal disease has not been well documented in Asian people. The aims of the present study were to investigate any variations in the clinical features and effectiveness of various surgical treatments in such a population. Methods: A prospectively collected computerized database of 61 consecutive patients admitted to a specialist colorectal unit over a 9-year period was studied. The five methods of surgical treatment used during this period (incision and drainage; laying open; marsupialization; primary closure; and the flap procedure) were compared. Results: There were 38 men and 23 women with a mean age of 27 ± 1.02 years. Pilonidal disease was significantly more common among the Indian people (52.5% of patients) than the other ethnic races in the Singaporean community (P < 0.001). Chronic discharging sinuses were the most common presentation (93.4%). There were no differences between the various surgical techniques employed with regard to the time required for wound healing (mean: 48 ± 21 days) and recurrence rates (4/61, 6.6%). Wound dehiscence after primary wound closure (10%) and flap procedures (42%) meant that the overall healing rate was not faster than when the wound was just laid open. Furthermore, flap procedures required a longer hospitalization than other procedures (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Pilonidal disease was more common among Indian people, the more hirsute among the Singaporean population. Primary closure and flap procedure did not improve overall wound healing because of dehiscence. [source]

A comparison of two implant techniques on patient-based outcome measures: a report of flapless vs. conventional flapped implant placement

CLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010
Jerome A. Lindeboom
Abstract Background: Flapless implant surgery is considered to offer advantages over the traditional flap access approach. There may be minimized bleeding, decreased surgical times and minimal patient discomfort. Controlled studies comparing patient outcome variables to support these assumptions, however, are lacking. Aim: The objective of this clinical study was to compare patient outcome variables using flapless and flapped implant surgical techniques. Patients and methods: From January 2008 to October 2008, 16 consecutive patients with edentulous maxillas were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to either implant placement with a flapless procedure (eight patients, mean age 54.6±2.9 years) or surgery with a conventional flap procedure (eight patients, mean age 58.7±7.2 years). All implants were placed using a Nobel guide® CT-guided surgical template. Outcome measures were the Dutch version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), dental anxiety using the s-DAI and oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14). Results: Ninety-six implants were successfully placed. All implants were placed as two-phase implants and the after-implant placement dentures were adapted. No differences could be shown between conditions on dental anxiety (s-DAI), emotional impact (IES-R), anxiety, procedure duration or technical difficulty, although the flapless group did score consistently higher. The flap procedure group reported less impact on quality of life and included more patients who reported feeling no pain at all during placement. Conclusions: Differences found in the patient outcome variables do suggest that patients in the flapless implant group had to endure more than patients in the flap group. To cite this article: Lindeboom JA, van Wijk AJ. A comparison of two implant techniques on patient-based outcome measures: a report of flapless vs. conventional flapped implant placement. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 366,370. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01866.x [source]

Anorganic porous bovine-derived bone mineral (Bio-Oss®) and ePTFE membrane in the treatment of peri-implantitis in cynomolgus monkeys

CLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003
Søren Schou
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anorganic porous bovine-derived bone mineral (Bio-Oss®) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane in the treatment of peri-implantitis. A total of 64 implants with a titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) surface was inserted in eight cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). After a 3-month healing period with plaque control, experimental peri-implantitis characterized by a bone loss of 4,6 mm was induced during a period of 9,18 months. Surgical treatment involving Bio-Oss+membrane, Bio-Oss, membrane, or a conventional flap procedure (control) only was carried out. The animals were sacrificed six months after treatment. Evaluation by clinical parameters, radiography including quantitative digital subtraction radiography, histology, and stereology demonstrated healthy peri-implant tissue irrespective of the applied surgical procedure. However, the amount of re-osseointegration and the total amount of bone (Bio-Oss and regenerated bone) were significantly higher in defects treated with membrane-covered Bio-Oss as compared with the other three treatment procedures. A mean bone-to-implant contact of 36% was obtained within defects treated with membrane-covered Bio-Oss. The corresponding values for the three other treatment procedures were 13,23%. The Bio-Oss particles were in general highly integrated within the regenerated bone, but the particles in the occlusal part of the defects were entirely surrounded by connective tissue irrespective of membrane coverage. The present study demonstrates that surgical treatment involving Bio-Oss covered by an ePTFE membrane is a useful treatment modality of experimental peri-implantitis around implants with a TPS surface in cynomolgus monkeys. However, the treatment outcome is not as encouraging as seen with membrane-covered autogenous bone graft particles documented in a study with same experimental design. Résumé Le but de l'étude présente a été d'évaluer l'effet d'un minéral osseux bovin poreux et anorganique (Bio-Oss®) et d'une membrane en téflon lors du traitement de la paroïmplantite. Soixante-quatre implants avec une surface plasma-spray en titane (TPS) ont été insérés chez huit singes Macaca fascicularis. Après une période de guérison de trois mois avec contrôle de la plaque dentaire, une paroïmplantite expérimentale caractérisée par une perte osseuse de 4 à 6 mm a été induite pendant une période de 9 à 18 mois. Le traitement chirurgical comprenant le Bio-Oss® et la membrane, le Bio-Oss®, la membrane, ou un processus de lambeau conventionnel (contrôle) ont été effectués. Les animaux ont été tués six mois après le traitement. L'évaluation par les paramètres cliniques, la radiographie incluant la radiographie de soustraction, l'histologie et la stéréologie ont mis en évidence des tissus paroïmplantaires sains quel que soit le processus chirurgical utilisé. Cependant la quantité de ré-ostéoïntégration et la quantité totale d'os (Bio-Oss®+ os régénéré) étaient significativement plus importantes dans les lésions traitées par Bio-Oss® recouvert de membrane comparée aux trois autres processus chirurgicaux. Un contact moyen os-implant de 36% a été obtenu à l'intérieure d'une lésion traitée par Bio-Oss® recouvert par une membrane. Les valeurs correspondantes pour les trois autres processus s'étalaient de 13 à 23%. Les particules de Bio-Oss®étaient en général très bien intégrées dans l'os régénéré, mais les particules dans la partie occlusale des lésions étaient entièrement entourées par du tissu conjonctif qu'il y ait ou non recouvrement par une membrane. Cette étude démontre que le traitement chirurgical impliquant le Bio-Oss® recouvert par une membrane en téflon est une modalité de traitement utile de la paroïmplantite autour des implants avec une surface TPS chez le Macaca fascicularis. Cependant le traitement n'est pas aussi encourageant que celui aperçu avec des greffes de particules d'os autogène recouvertes par une membrane qui avait été mis en évidence dans une étude utilisant le même modèle expérimental. Zusammenfassung Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war, den Effekt von anorganischem porösem bovinem Knochenmineral (Bio-Oss®) und expandiertem Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-Membranen bei der Behandlung von Peri-Implantitis zu untersuchen. Insgesamt wurden 64 Implantate mit einer titanplasmabeschichteten Oberfläche (TPS) bei 8 Cynomolgus Affen (Macaca fascicularis) eingesetzt. Nach einer Heilungszeit von 3 Monaten mit Plaquekontrolle wurde eine experimentelle Peri-Implantitis, charakterisiert durch einen Knochenverlust von 4-6mm, über einen Zeitraum von 9 bis 18 Monaten induziert. Folgende chirurgische Massnahmen wurden durchgeführt: Bio-Oss+Membran, Bio-Oss, Membran oder konventionelle Lappenchirurgie (Kontrolle). Die Tiere wurden 6 Monate nach der Behandlung geopfert. Die Untersuchung mittels klinischer Parameter, Radiographie inklusive quantitative digitale Subtraktionsradiographie, Histologie und Stereologie zeigte gesunde peri-implantäre Gewebe, egal welche chirurgische Massnahme angewendet wurde. Jedoch war das Ausmass der Re-Osseointegration und die totale Menge an Knochen (Bio-Oss und regenerierter Knochen) bei den Defekten, welche mit Bio-Oss und Membran behandelt worden waren, signifikant grösser als bei den drei anderen Behandlungsgruppen. Bei den Defekten, welche mit Membran und Bio-Oss behandelt wurden, konnte ein Knochen-Implantat-Kontakt von 36% erreicht werden. Die entsprechenden Werte für die drei anderen Behandlungsgruppen betrugen 13-23%. Die Bio-Oss Partikel waren generell gut in den regenerierten Knochen integriert, nur die Partikel im okklusalen Bereich der Defekte waren komplett von Bindegewebe umgeben, egal ob sie mit einer Membran abgedeckt waren oder nicht. Die vorliegende Studie demonstriert, dass die chirurgischen Behandlung mit Bio-Oss, welches mit einer ePTFE-Membran bedeckt wird, eine brauchbare Behandlungsmodalität für die experimentelle Peri-Implantitis um Implantate mit TPS-Oberfläche bei Cynomolgus Affen darstellt. Jedoch sind die Behandlungsresltate nicht so ermutigend wie die Resultate einer anderen Studie mit demselben experimentellen Aufbau, bei der autologe Knochenpartikel mit Membranen bedeckt wurden. Resumen El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de mineral derivado bovino anorgánico poroso (Bio-Oss®) y membrana de politetrafluoroetileno expandido (ePTFE) en el tratamiento de periimplantitis. Se insertaron un total de 64 implantes con una superficie pulverizada con plasma de titanio (TPS) en 8 monos cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis). Tras 3 meses de periodo de cicatrización con control de placa, se indujo una periimplantitis experimental caracterizada por una perdida ósea de 4-6 mm durante un periodo de 9-18 meses. Se llevó a cabo un tratamiento quirúrgico consistente en Bio-Oss+membrana, Bio-Oss, membrana, o un procedimiento de colgajo convencional (control). La evaluación por parámetros clínicos, radiográficos incluyendo radiografías digitales de sustracción cuantitativa, histología, y estereología demostraron tejidos periimplantarios sanos irrespectivamente del procedimiento quirúrgico aplicado. De todos modos, la cantidad de re-osteointegración y la cantidad total de hueso (Bio-Oss y hueso regenerado) fueron significativamente mayores en los defectos tratados con Bio-Oss cubiertos por membrana comparados con los otros 3 procedimientos terapéuticos. Se obtuvo un contacto hueso implante del 36 % dentro de los defectos tratados con Bio-Oss cubierto por membrana. Los valores correspondientes para los otros 3 procedimientos terapéuticos fueron del 13-23 %. Las partículas de Bio-Oss se integraron altamente en general con el hueso regenerado, pero las partículas en la parte oclusal de los defectos estaban enteramente rodeadas de tejido conectivo irrespectivamente de cobertura de membrana. El presente estudio demuestra que el tratamiento quirúrgico que incluye Bio-Oss cubierto por una membrana de ePTFE es una modalidad de tratamiento de la periimplantitis experimental alrededor de los implantes con una superficie TPS en monos cynomolgus. De todos modos, los resultados del tratamiento no son tan alentadores como los observados con partículas de hueso autógeno documentados en un estudio con el mismo diseño experimental. [source]

Reverse facial artery,submental artery mandibular osteomuscular flap for the reconstruction of maxillary defects following the removal of benign tumors

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2009
Wei-Liang Chen DDS
Abstract Background. Functional and aesthetic restoration in maxillary reconstruction remains a challenge. Although many free flap procedures have become popular in maxillary reconstruction, these microsurgical methods have certain limitations and risks. This study assessed the reliability of the reverse facial artery,submental artery mandibular osteomuscular flap for reconstructing maxillary defects. Methods. Eight maxillary defects following benign tumor ablation were repaired with reverse facial artery,submental artery mandibular osteomuscular flaps. The patients ranged in age from 16 to 33 years; 5 were male and 3 were female. Maxillary odontogenic myxoma was present in 3 cases, maxillary fibrous dysplasia and ameloblastoma in 2 cases each, and chondromyxoid fibroma in 1 case. The defects were classified as class 2a. Results. Primary reconstruction of the maxilla was carried out using a pedicled mandibular osteomuscular flap. No flap failures occurred. Dental reconstruction was successful in all patients. Proper aesthetics and complete functionality were obtained, and there were no donor-site problems. The patients were followed for 12 to 24 months, with an average of 18.6 months, and no recurrence was encountered. Conclusion. The reverse facial artery,submental artery mandibular osteomuscular flap is safe, quick, and simple to elevate. The flap can be used reliably for reconstructing maxillary defects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009 [source]

Versatility of vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps

Increasing Use of the Scapula Osteocutaneous Free Flap ,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2000
Sean C. Coleman MD
Abstract Objectives To determine the appropriate use of the scapula osteocutaneous free flap (SOFF) and to document donor site morbidity. Study Design Retrospective review and prospective physical therapy evaluation. Methods A computer database of all free flap procedures performed at a single institution was created. Specific clinical and operative details from cases involving a bone flap were extracted from the database. Rates of usage of the various osteocutaneous flaps were compared over four successive 2-year intervals (1992,1999). A single physical therapist performed a structured evaluation of the donor site. Results Overall, 64 bone flap procedures were performed, of which 24 (37.5%) were SOFF procedures. The SOFF utilization has increased from 6.6% to 63.6%, while fibula and iliac crest utilization has fallen significantly. This is in part because of the greater versatility of the SOFF, with the possibility of separate skin paddles and adequate bone length. The mean cutaneous area harvested with the SOFF was 110 cm2 (range, 48,200 cm2) compared with 55.4 cm2 (range, 25,102 cm2) and 77.6 cm2 (range, 50,120 cm2) for the fibula and iliac crest, respectively. Mean bone flap lengths were 8.37, 7.65, and 10.1 cm, respectively, for the SOFF, fibula, and iliac crest. Dual skin paddles were used in 50% of the SOFF procedures versus 2.8% for the fibula flap procedures. There were no significant complications of the donor site in any patient, and there was only one flap failure (4.1%). Related to the SOFF, donor site morbidity was subjectively judged as "mild," for pain, mobility, and strength. There were no complaints of poor appearance of the donor site. Activities of daily living were judged as "not limited" or "limited a little" in the majority of patients. Objective measurements of range of motion revealed an average reduction of 1° to 12° in five different shoulder functions. Elbow and arm ranges of motion were not limited. Strength was minimally reduced in the shoulder, while the arm and forearm showed no reduction in strength. Conclusions The SOFF is a versatile osteocutaneous free flap that can be used for a multitude of reconstructive problems. This and its relative lack of significant donor site morbidity have caused its use to increase significantly. [source]

SACROCOCCYGEAL PILONIDAL DISEASE: SINOTOMY VERSUS EXCISIONAL SURGERY, A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2007
M. Ezzedien Rabie
Pilonidal disease is a disease of relatively young people, the exact aetiology of which is unknown. Treatment options vary from simple incision to complex flap procedures. Each method has its advocates and they all have a variable recurrence rate. The multiplicity of procedures testifies to the lack of an optimal treatment method. The objective of this study is to compare sinotomy, that is, simply laying the sinus open with the more popular radical surgery, where the sinus-bearing tissues are excised. Patients who were admitted to Aseer Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia with a pilonidal sinus or abscess, in the period from April 1999 to January 2005, were identified. The medical records were reviewed and data related to the patient characteristics, disease process and the procedures carried out were noted. Identified patients were contacted by phone to check recurrence of the disease and their abidance to instructions regarding regular hair removal from the area. Eighty-one patients were included in the study. The median age was 24.2 years (range 16,60 years). There were 9 women and 72 men. All procedures were carried out under general anaesthesia except sinotomy, which was carried out under general or local anaesthesia. The surgical procedure was incision and drainage of abscess in 16 cases (19.8%), excision with primary closure in 29 cases (35.8%), excision by the open method in 15 cases (18.5%), sinotomy in 14 cases (17.3%) and rhomboid flap construction in 8 cases (9.9%). The overall recurrence rate was 26.9%, and the mean hospital stay was 4.1 days. Sinotomy had a low recurrence rate (12.5%) and a short hospital stay (2.8 days). Sinotomy has the advantages of simplicity, the possibility of operating under local anaesthesia, with an acceptable recurrence rate. We recommend sinotomy for pilonidal sinus and abscess alike, both in primary and recurrent cases. [source]