Analysis of the use of laser technologies for pilonidal disease

Abstract

AIM: to evaluate effectiveness of laser technologies for pilonidal disease in comparison with the traditional excisional method.PATIENTS AND METHODS: a prospective randomized single-center study included 84 patients (first main group 44 patients, control one — 40 patients). The groups were homogeneous in age, gender, BMI. The inclusion criterion was the pilonidal disease with straight fistulas without additional fistula tracks. The exclusion criterion was the impossibility to perform laser procedure.RESULTS: no intraoperative morbidity occurred in both groups. The operative time was significantly shorter in the main group (12.0 ± 5.0 min vs 18.5 ± 6.5; p = 0.049). The hospital stay was significantly lower in the main group as well (8.5 days vs 11.2; p < 0.001). The time of wound healing was significantly lower in the main group (12.0 ± 2.0 vs 25.0 ± 3.0 days; p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: the laser technique is significantly more effective than traditional approach in operative time, hospital stay and wound healing and can be used for outpatient management.