Recurrent pilonidal sinus treated with epilation using a ruby laser

Abstract

Background: Surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease of the natal cleft has a significant failure rate. Reported here is the case of a 33-year-old man who first presented at the age of 18 with a pilonidal sinus.

Method: The patient's scar was treated with a ruby laser using a pulse length of 2 ms and energy densities of 6.0-7.2 J/cm(2). Treatment was performed five times at 6-week intervals.

Result: The sinus healed and has not recurred to date, 6 months after the last treatment.

Conclusion: It is felt that there may be a future for this treatment, either as primary treatment or as an adjunct to surgery in refractive cases. It could also be useful in preventing the growth of hairs into wounds that have been left open and allowed to granulate.