Laser Hair Removal for Treatment of Pilonidal Disease

Laser Hair Removal for Primary Treatment of Pilonidal Disease Requiring Surgical Intervention

This project is a pilot study to determine if symptomatic pilonidal disease can be primarily managed with laser hair removal vs surgery.

This project will consist of surgical evaluation in pediatric surgery or colorectal surgery clinics, referral to dermatology clinic for informed consent, and if enrolled, participation in up to 8 laser hair removal sessions with regular follow-up for a period of 2 years after completion of therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with symptomatic pilonidal disease, who meet criteria for surgical intervention:

• Experience two or more episodes of infection or abscess in the past 12 months
• Have pain or drainage for a total of more than 1 month in the past 12 months
• Missed a total of more than 1 week of school or work in the past 12 months
• English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have co-morbidities that prevent them from becoming a surgical candidate

  • Previous history of laser hair removal in the gluteal cleft (prior to initial enrollment)
  • Previous excision of pilonidal sinus (prior to initial enrollment)
  • Non-English speaking