Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Further Option for Surgical Treatment

Abstract

Conservative treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa is followed by a high rate of recurrence. Only radical debridement offers a cure. The therapy of choice is the radical excision of the affected region and immediate coverage with a flap. Open granulation or split skin grafting often results in a prolonged hospitalization, higher morbidity, and functional problems. Thus, open granulation is inferior to primary closure by a transposition flap. Using the Limberg flap, the donor site is allowed to be closed primarily.

Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…Conservative treatment and incision and/or surgical removal of the abscesses and fistulas are usually futile 1,14. The success of medical therapies, however, often is limited because of the indolent and recurrent nature of the disease.…”

“…Rarely, the chronic inflammation results in malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma 10. In such a developed phase, antibiotics are usually ineffective alone and surgical treatment is required 4,9,14…”