Laser and Phenol Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus

Plain-language summary

This study compares three different treatments for pilonidal sinus disease to determine which approach provides the best outcomes for patients. Pilonidal sinus is a condition where a small hole or tunnel forms in the skin at the top of the buttocks. It happens when hair gets trapped under the skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection. This condition mainly affects young adults and can interfere with work and daily activities. The study compares three minimally invasive treatments: 1. Laser therapy alone: A thin laser fiber is inserted into the sinus to destroy the lining and close the tunnel using local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. 2. Phenol treatment alone: A chemical solution (phenol) is injected into the sinus to make it close and heal, done with local anesthesia in the clinic. 3. Combined laser and phenol therapy: Both treatments are used together for potentially better healing with lower recurrence rates. Researchers will measure healing rates, healing time, recurrence rates, pain levels, complications, patient satisfaction, and return to normal activities. This research is important because there is no single "best" treatment for pilonidal sinus. Traditional surgery often requires general anesthesia, hospital stays, large wounds taking months to heal, significant scarring, long work absence, and high recurrence rates up to 30%. These newer treatments offer faster healing, less pain and scarring, quicker return to normal life, and lower recurrence chance. By comparing these approaches directly, this study will help doctors and patients make better treatment decisions based on scientific evidence. This is a prospective observational cohort study following patients who receive one of these three treatments. The study will include adults with pilonidal sinus disease suitable for minimally invasive treatment.

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