Adolescent pilonidal disease laser treatment (a-PiLaT): a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Paediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Dermatological Surgery

Background:

• Pilonidal disease (PD) is an acquired condition affecting the intergluteal cleft, typically managed surgically.
• Pilonidal disease laser treatment (PiLaT) is emerging as a viable option for non-inflammatory cases.
• Limited data exists on the efficacy and safety of adolescent pilonidal disease laser treatment (a-PiLaT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary experience and outcomes of a-PiLaT in adolescent patients.
• To assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of this novel minimally invasive technique in a pediatric surgical setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of perioperative characteristics and clinical outcomes for 17 adolescents (aged 10-17) who underwent a-PiLaT between 2019 and 2023.
• Data collection included operative time, follow-up duration, complication rates, recurrence rates, and scar assessment scores.

Main Results:

• The mean age of patients was 13.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 24.5 months.
• Complication and recurrence rates were 24% and 18%, respectively.
• Postsurgical scar assessment scores indicated favorable outcomes, with mean patient and observer scores of 14.2 and 11.4.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent pilonidal disease laser treatment (a-PiLaT) is a novel approach for managing pilonidal sinuses in adolescents.
• Preliminary results suggest complication and recurrence rates comparable to those reported for adults.
• This minimally invasive technique shows potential and merits further research in larger populations.