Laser depilation as adjuvant therapy in prevention of recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease
Published Date: 01st December 2020
Publication Authors: Javed M, Kalaiselvan R, Rajaganeshan R
Introduction
Pilonidal disease (PD) is a chronic condition involving the sacrococcygeal area. It can have a significant impact on quality of life, social activities and occupation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. However, Laser depilation (LD) has been proposed as an adjunct to surgery and shown improved results in previous studies. We present our initial experience of LD in the treatment of PD in a District General Hospital setting in the UK.
Materials and Methods
Prospectively maintained database of all consecutive patients who received LD after elective surgery for PD was analysed. Patients were offered a minimum of two sessions of LD. Primary outcome measure was disease recurrence i.e. evidence of new symptoms or signs of PD after 1 year from the last surgical intervention were defined as recurrent disease. Data are presented as median with interquartile ranges.
Results
Sixty‐four patients underwent LD after elective surgery between 01/06/2013 to 01/06/2018. 57 were eligible for final analysis. 65% of patients received 6 or more sessions of Laser treatments. There were no short or long‐term complications related to LD. Patients who had more than 2 sessions of LD showed improved recurrence rate. Overall, recurrence rate in our series was 12% at a median follow up of 172 weeks.
Conclusion
LD is a safe and effective adjunct to surgery in minimising recurrence of PD. Patients with primary PD and those who are undergoing MIS may also be benefited from adjuvant LD. Further high‐quality control trials are required to assess its efficacy and safety.
Liyanage, ASD; Woods, Y; Javed, MA; Kalaiselvan, R; Rajaganeshan, R. (2020). Laser depilation as adjuvant therapy in prevention of recurrence of pilonidal sinus disease: Initial experience of a District General Hospital in the UK. British Journal of Surgery. 107 (S4), 133