The recurrence of the pilonidal cyst and tailbone fistulas after previous surgery is a problem that affects all surgical techniques - be it large cutting of the soft tissues or "small" pit picking. While shaving and the use of hair removal creams are not recommended, the prevention of hair root sclerotherapy by a laser is promising.
In August 2018, a new study was published in which the results of this study were compiled from several medical databases. The purpose of the study was to review the published literature on laser hair removal in the pilonidal cyst and tailbone fistulas to determine its effect on the recurrence of the pilonidal cyst and tailbone fistulas. All publications up to December 1, 2017 have been recorded.
35 studies on this topic were analysed, including the method of treatment of pilonidal cyst and tailbone fistulas, number of patients, frequency of new fistula formation and duration of follow-up. The recurrence of pilonidal cyst and tailbone fistulas, the so-called recurrence rate, was between 0 and 28 % with a follow-up period of between 6 months and 5 years. In 5 studies there was a comparison group, i.e. no laser epilation was performed in the study participants. These participants had more recurrences than those treated with a laser to prevent new fistula formation.
Laser hair epilation is, therefore, a promising and recommendable measure to prevent new pilonidal cyst and tailbone fistulas. However, it is not a 100% effective measure.
Source:
Halleran DR, Onwuka AJ, Lawrence AE, Fischer BC, Deans KJ, Minneci PC. Laser Hair Depilation in the Treatment of Pilonidal Disease: A Systematic Review. Surg Infect. 2018 Aug 10.
