Pilonidal Disease
Conditions
Brief summary
Pilonidal disease is a common painful condition that affects 26 per 100,000 people with an incidence of 1.1% in the young male population. Recurrence rates of pilonidal disease after initial incision and drainage and after resection have been reported to be 16% and 11% respectively. Furthermore, wound issues after resection with primary closure have been reported to be as high as 30%. In several retrospective studies and small prospective studies, laser hair removal has shown promise as an adjunct therapy to decrease recurrent infections and decrease the need for repeat surgery in adults and older adolescents. We are performing a randomized control trial of laser hair depilation plus chemical/mechanical depilation to examine outcomes related to recurrence of pilonidal disease.
Interventions
DEVICELaser depilation
Fitzpatrick skin type classification will be assessed during the initial visit. The Fitzpatrick skin type classification is based on the level of pigmentation of the skin and its response to ultraviolet light (See Appendix). It will be used to select the best laser to perform hair removal for each patient. The laser treatment group will consist of an 810 nm (for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV) or Nd:YAG (for Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI) 28 joule application at auto pulse duration for 400 ms. A cooling platform and application of 7% lidocaine/ 7% tetracaine cream, applied 45 minutes prior to treatment, will minimize any discomfort associated with the heat of the laser treatments.
OTHERStandard of care hair depilation
Patients and families in the standard of care group will be taught hair removal techniques and asked to perform either chemical or mechanical depilation as needed to keep the area hair-free. Patients will be given supplies for six months of hair removal.
Sponsors
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
11 Years to 21 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* All Fitzpatrick skin types * 11-21 years of age * Diagnosis of pilonidal disease
Exclusion criteria
* History of photosensitivity * Actively inflamed pilonidal sinus. These patients are invited to participate upon resolution of their inflamed sinus.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Recurrence of pilonidal disease | 12 months | Recurrence is defined as a new development of pilonidal abscess, folliculitis, or draining sinus after treatment which would require antibiotic treatment, additional surgical incision and drainage or excision. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Days | 12 months | Defined as days that patient does participate in all normal activities due to their pilonidal disease |
| Health related quality of life | 1 year | Measured using PedsQL scales |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed