Laser Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Pilot Study. Issue 5 (6th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Michael D.; Sullivan, Gwyneth A.; Nimmagadda, Neha; Gulack, Brian C.; Madonna, Mary Beth; Hayden, Dana M.; Govekar, Henry; Shah, Ami N.
• Is Part Of: Diseases of the colon & rectum. Volume 66:Issue 5(2023)
• Page Start: e224
• Page End: e227
• Publication Date: 2023-03-06
• Subjects: Adult -- Laser -- Minimally invasive -- New technology -- Pediatric -- Pilonidal disease; Colon (Anatomy) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Rectum -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Colonic Diseases -- Periodicals; Colorectal Surgery -- Periodicals; 616.34
• DOI: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000002745
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-3706

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Pilonidal disease is classically treated with wide local excision, although 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: This technique uses the NeoV V1470 Diode Laser (neoLaser Ltd, Caesarea, Israel) with a 2-mm 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 the 2-week postoperative visit. The median time to return to work or school was 3 days. Eighty-eight percent of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure at their most recent follow-up (median, 6 mo). 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.