A Failed Rhomboid Flap for a Pilonidal Cyst
A Common and Avoidable Tragedy
I recently operated on a 22-year-old male from the Southeast who had suffered from pilonidal disease for the past five years. Frustrated with ongoing pain and infections, he decided in early 2023 that it was time for surgery. His surgeon presented him with a choice: a temporary fix or a cure. Naturally, with his parents’ guidance, he chose what he believed to be the cure.
Unfortunately, the rhomboid flap surgery he received did not provide that cure. Instead, it led him down a long, frustrating path of failed procedures, pain, and isolation—a story that is all too common.
The Rhomboid Flap Failure: A Preventable Mistake
His surgeon assured him that a rhomboid flap would solve his problem. However, the technique failed to flatten his cleft, and a vertical suture line remained in the midline, a major predictor of failure. This is a critical error in pilonidal surgery:
✅ A deep cleft is the root cause of pilonidal disease.
✅ If the cleft is not flattened, recurrence is likely.
✅ The idea of a “cyst” being left behind is a myth—pilonidal disease is an issue of anatomy, not a single isolated lesion.
At first, his surgical wound appeared to heal, but within months, he experienced a recurrence.
His original surgeon insisted that the problem was “not removing the entire cyst” and recommended another operation. The patient and his family, unsure of what else to do, reluctantly agreed.
The Cycle of Bad Surgeries Continues
The second surgeon, also misinformed about the nature of pilonidal disease, performed two wide excision operations—procedures known for high failure rates and difficult healing.
🚨 Both operations failed.
🚨 His wounds did not close properly.
🚨 He was housebound for a year, unable to exercise or sit for extended periods.
When his wounds remained chronically open, he was referred to yet another wound care doctor.
The Right Answer: Finding the True Cure
This wound care doctor finally recognized the real issue—his deep cleft had never been addressed. Instead of pushing for more failed wound care strategies, this doctor recommended a trip to San Francisco to see Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg for a Cleft Lift/Pilonidal RAF procedure.
The family did their research. They saw overwhelming evidence that the Cleft Lift Procedure is the most effective and durable solution for pilonidal disease. They made the journey to San Francisco, and it was worth every mile.
🔹 Surgery was a success.
🔹 Healing was quick and uncomplicated.
🔹 For the first time in years, the patient was free of pilonidal disease.
Why Traveling for the Right Surgeon Matters
This patient’s story is not unique—thousands suffer from misguided procedures, unnecessary suffering, and failed surgeries because they don’t know there’s a better option.
If you have pilonidal disease, you don’t have to waste years on ineffective treatments.
🌍 It is worth traveling to see an expert who understands how to fix this problem permanently.
💡 Dr. Jeffrey Sternberg has helped thousands of patients from all over the country, providing a real cure with the Cleft Lift/Pilonidal RAF procedure.
You deserve the right surgery—the first time. If you’re struggling with pilonidal disease or a failed operation, don’t wait any longer.
Visit www.pilonidalsurgery.com and take control of your health today.
Take the First Step
Cure your Pilonidal Disease!
