PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Andreana Bütter
AU  - Melissa Hanson
AU  - Lisa VanHouwelingen
AU  - Neil Merritt
AU  - Jamie Seabrook
TI  - Hair epilation versus surgical excision as primary management of pilonidal disease in the pediatric population
AID  - 10.1503/cjs.011214
DP  - 2015 Jun 01
TA  - Canadian Journal of Surgery
PG  - 209--211
VI  - 58
IP  - 3
4099  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/58/3/209.short
4100  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/58/3/209.full
SO  - CAN J SURG2015 Jun 01; 58
AB  - Pilonidal disease is a chronic, acquired inflammatory process of the skin due to entrapped hair at the natal cleft. Reported recurrence rates are as high as 30%, and recurrence has been attributed to persistent hair near the surgical site. Although conservative measures, such as meticulous hair control and improved perineal hygiene, have been shown to be effective, these techniques typically require much effort on behalf of the patient. Laser hair epilation (LE) might solve this issue of poor patient compliance while helping patients to avoid surgical excision. In this article, we discuss recurrence rates of pilonidal disease in children treated with LE versus surgical excision in relation to findings from our institution between 2005 and 2013 as well as patient satisfaction with the treatment method.