Karydakis Versus Limberg Flap in Primary Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Functional Recovery.

Abstract

Successful surgical management of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in young, active patients requires rapid restoration of daily functions, including driving and sexual activity. This study compared patient-reported recovery as regards sexual function and driving ability following the KF versus the LF for primary sacrococcygeal PSD. This multicenter retrospective cohort study (FLARE study) included employed, sexually active patients who underwent surgery for primary PSD (July 2017-July 2024). The primary outcome was time to sexual activity resumption; the secondary outcome was time to resumption of driving. Outcomes were assessed at 1 year using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses with adjustment were used. A total of 352 patients were divided into 176 KF and 176 LF. KF patients resumed sexual activity earlier (2.88 ± 0.7 vs. 4.58 ± 1.1 weeks; mean difference -1.7 weeks, 95% CI -1.89 to -1.49, p < 0.001). KF reported significantly less pain, less avoidance, and lower analgesic use during sex. LF reported lower sexual satisfaction (mean 3.94 vs. 2.15; mean difference -1.78, 95% CI -2.02 to -1.53). KF resumed driving earlier (median 9 vs. 19 days; r = 0.7, large effect, p < 0.001) and had longer sitting tolerance (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.4, p < 0.001). LF had higher pain while sitting (mean Likert 4 vs. 2; mean difference of -1.94, 95% CI -2.19 to -1.68), higher VAS pain (median 4 vs. 2; r = 0.5), greater need for cushions/analgesics, and more driving-related work/social limitations (all p < 0.001). Time to resume sexual activity and driving was significantly shorter for KF. On multivariable analysis, LF was independently associated with delayed return to sexual activity (adjusted OR 4.02, 95% CI 2.1-7.5, p < 0.001) and delayed return to driving (adjusted OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.2, p < 0.001). In this retrospective cohort, KF may be associated with significantly faster return to sexual and driving activity compared with LF. These results underscore the importance of incorporating patient-centered functional outcomes into surgical decision-making for PSD. Number: NCT07271537.