Laser Surgery Vs Conservative Management For Pilonidal Sinus: The Right Treatment Option

Pilonidal sinus is an acquired condition that is caused by the trapping of hair in the cleft at the top of the buttocks. When there is a constant accumulation of hair, dirt and debris, the cyst becomes infected forming pus, which eventually ruptures and leads to the formation of the sinus. If an individual keeps the pilonidal sinus untreated or falls under the high-risk category of sinus recurrence, it even increases the risk of skin cancer. It is a painful condition that requires immediate medical attention.
There are generally two approaches to the treatment of this condition: conservative management and laser surgery for pilonidal sinus. But the question is which option is the most effective and what are its advantages.
In this blog, we will compare the two treatment methods to help you understand the pros and cons of each approach to allow patients to determine which options work the best for them.

Laser Surgery For Pilonidal Sinus: An Overview

Laser surgery for pilonidal sinus is increasingly becoming popular both among patients and surgeons. During the procedure, high-energy laser beams are used to destroy the sinus tract. There are several advantages to this type of treatment. Let’s discuss them.

Pros

• Non-invasive: This is one of the major advantages of laser procedures. Unlike traditional treatment methods, which involve larger incisions, the laser procedure works by removing the pus from the sinus and healing the wound without stitches.
• No recurrence: Compared to other treatment methods, laser surgery for the pilonidal sinus reduces its recurrence rate by removing the hair follicles responsible for its formation.
• Quick recovery: As it is a minimally invasive surgery, there is a faster recovery period within a few days with no pain and discomfort. Patients are required to take a long duration of bed rest.
• Outpatient procedure: The whole procedure is completed within 20 minutes and patients are discharged on the same day.

Cons

• Cost: The initial cost might be a little higher, but that depends on factors like the expertise of the surgeon and the facilities of the surgeon.
• Not suitable for complicated cases: For deeply infected sinuses, laser ablation might not be suitable.

Conservative Management For Pilonidal Sinus: An Overview

Conservative treatments work by controlling the symptoms of pilonidal sinus in a non-operative setting. The method involves shaving the area to keep it clean and even plucking the visible ingrown hair.

Here are some of its.

Pros

• Non-invasive: It does not require major operation and is basically suited for those patients with minimal or negligible symptoms.
• No risks: As there are no incisions involved, patients need not worry about post-operative complications like infection, bleeding or swelling.

Cons

• Not effective: Though conservative management controls the symptoms of pilonidal sinus, for the time being, it neither cures the condition nor prevents its recurrence. Hence, patients have to endure the pain and discomfort for a long time.
• Continuous process: Patients are constantly required to keep an eye on the area to maintain their hygiene. However, there are still chances of recurrence.

Conclusion

Both conservative and laser surgery are cost-effective techniques for pilonidal sinus. The right procedure depends on the severity of the condition after consultation with your surgeon.
Conservative treatments might provide temporary relief until the disease progresses. If you have severe symptoms, it is always better to opt for laser surgery for pilonidal sinus by a certified laser surgeon.