Efficacy and Outcomes of Laser Treatment in Pilonidal Sinus Disease

AIM: In recent years, minimally invasive treatment methods have introduced significant innovations in the surgical management of pilonidal sinüs disease. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of laser treatment for pilonidal sinus disease, focusing on treatment success, recurrence rates, complications, and patients' return to normal life. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this study, data from patients treated with laser ablation for pilonidal sinus disease between August 2020 and August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients aged 18-40 who were treated with laser for pilonidal sinus disease were included in the study. Patients with recurrence, those who had undergone chemotherapy/radiotherapy in the anorectal or sacrococcygeal region, those with concurrent malignancies, those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease, those on chronic steroids, diabetics, and patients with autoimmune diseases were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients (5 females, 44 males) who underwent laser ablation for pilonidal sinus disease were included in the study. It was found that 16 (32.7%) of the included patients had a history of abscess drainage due to pilonidal sinus disease. In the postoperative period, the median (min-max) wound healing time was 28 (20-52) days. A total of 4 patients (8.3%) experienced recurrence. CONCLUSION: Considering pilonidal sinus disease as a subcutaneous infectious condition, laser ablation should be regarded as one of the primary treatment options for pilonidal sinus surgery, given its acceptable recurrence rates, low complication risk, rapid return to normal activities, and cosmetic advantages. Keywords: laser, pilonidal sinus disease, minimally invasive