A Retrospective Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Radial Diode Laser Probe in the Management of Pilonidal Sinus Disease

BACKGROUND Recently, the interest in minimally invasive techniques in the management of the pilonidal sinus has been rising. The main goal is to avoid the prolonged recovery period associated with traditional surgeries. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a radial diode laser probe in the destruction of the pilonidal sinus. METHODS Twenty-seven patients with pilonidal sinus were treated with a radial 1,470-nm diode laser between July 2018 and August 2020 and were examined retrospectively. Charts were reviewed and patients were questioned by telephone about their postlaser recovery period. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included. The overall success rate was 84%. Recurrence rate was 9.5%, after a mean follow-up of 8.3 months. The mean duration of analgesia intake was 2.5 days, and the mean period required to return to daily activities was 5.8 days. Sixteen percent of the patients developed a small postoperative hemorrhage as a complication. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that radial diode laser is safe, effective, and associated with a low recurrence rate in the treatment of mild pilonidal sinus disease. Dermatologists can perform it easily in the outpatient clinic, with minimal postoperative pain and a fast return to the patients' daily activities.