Pilonidal disease treatment by radial laser surgery (FiLaC™): The first Finnish experience

Abstract

Background and objective: Pilonidal disease is common, and it afflicts especially young adults, causing disability. Several types of treatment methods are applicable, but no consensus exists regarding the best method. The aim of our study was to assess the novel radial laser probe treatment in pilonidal disease and report the success rate and recurrence rate. Methods: We studied retrospectively 86 patients who, according to our hospital patient records, underwent radial laser probe surgery between January 2017 and September 2019. Results: In a mean follow-up time of 14 months, the success rate at 2 months was 86%. Most operations were done under local anesthesia on a day-surgery basis. The recovery time was rapid, and median sick leave was 12 days. Of those initially successfully treated, 3% developed a recurrence. Altogether 17% of the patients underwent a re-operation. Spillage of pus during surgery, however, reduced the success rate to 53%. Conclusions: Radial laser probe treatment is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive treatment choice for pilonidal disease, especially when no active infection is present.