Laser Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal disease is classically treated with a wide local excision, though a number of minimally invasive approaches are currently under investigation. We aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of laser ablation of pilonidal sinus disease.

IMPACT OF INNOVATION: Laser ablation provides a minimally invasive means of obliterating pilonidal sinus tracts without a need for excessive tract dilation. Laser ablation can be performed more than once on the same patient if necessary.

TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the NeoV V1470 Diode Laser (NeoLaser LTD, Caesarea, Israel) with a 2 millimeter probe. We performed laser ablation in adults and pediatric patients.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS: We performed 27 laser ablation procedures in 25 patients, with a median operative time of 30 minutes. Eighty percent of patients reported either no pain or mild pain at 2-week postoperative visit. Median time to return to work or school was 3 days. Eight-eight percent of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure at their most recent follow-up (median, 6 months). Eighty-two percent of patients were healed at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Laser ablation of pilonidal disease is safe and feasible. Patients experienced short recovery time, and reported low levels of pain and high levels of satisfaction.