[Surgical treatment of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa].

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease of the cutis with furuncles, fistulas and abscesses, mostly located in the groin and axillary regions. A conservative treatment can not prevent a recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report on 16 patients with axillary hidradenitis suppurativa. The inflammatory region was excised, followed by immediate coverage with a transposition flap according to Limberg. Postoperatively, all patients received antibiotic treatment. After 2 weeks, physiotherapy was begun.

RESULTS: All wounds healed primarily. Functional and aesthetic results were very satisfactory. Movement of the shoulder showed no restrictions. There was no major complication. The recurrence rate was low.

DISCUSSION: Only radical debridement prevents a recurrence. The therapy of choice is radical excision of the affected region and immediate coverage by a transposition flap. Open granulation or split-skin grafting are inferior compared with a primary closure by transposition flap. Using the Limberg flap the donor site can be closed primarily.