Laser Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Pilot Study

Abstract

See video on DCR YouTube Channel at https:// youtu.be/8WpzS_10Wyk 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.

Laser Ablation of Pilonidal Sinus in a Patient With Hemophilia Type A: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…The literature review revealed that laser ablation using a 1470‐nm radial diode laser fiber is effective for the treatment of PNS because of its minimally invasive nature and is associated with reduced postoperative pain, shorter healing time, and potentially lower recurrence rates compared to traditional surgical techniques. Furthermore, few studies have reported favorable outcomes with laser ablation, including improved wound healing and lower recurrence rates [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…The laser vaporizes and ablates the sinus tracts while simultaneously sealing the surrounding tissue, thereby minimizing damage and promoting faster healing. This approach results in smaller wounds, reduced postoperative pain, and improved patient satisfaction [ 9 ]. Laser energy selectively targets and destroys the sinus tracts, leaving the surrounding healthy tissues intact.…”

Surgical treatment of pilonidal disease - Short-term follow up results of minimally invasive pit-picking surgery versus radical excision without suturing: A prospective randomised trial

“…Newer methods, including laser treatments and phenolisation of the sinus tract have shown promising initial outcomes in terms of reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life [ [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] ]. Further investigations are required to assess the safety, recurrence rates and long-term effectiveness of these methods, especially taking into account the fact that phenol treatment is not approved in certain European countries due to concerns about its potential toxicity [ [30] , [31] , [32] , [33] ].…”