Title : Preventing Pilonidal sinus disease recurrence with laser hair epilation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract:
Introduction: Pilonidal sinus disease [PSD] is a common condition associated with significant morbidity and health care costs. High recurrence rates still pose a significant challenge in the management of PSD with no universally accepted guideline in place to guide management. Laser hair epilation offers a way to reduce recurrence rates with reports within the current literature demonstrating positive outcomes in comparison to alternative approaches.
Method: This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis [PRISMA] statement standards. The primary outcome measure was recurrence rate of pilonidal sinus disease at a minimum of 1 year following the primary intervention. The electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, google scholar, Pubmed and Cohrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL] were searched. OpenMeta [analyst] software was used for data synthesis.
Results: Three randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria with laser hair epilation treatments offering a significant reduction in PSD recurrence rates on odds ratio analysis: 0.319 [ 0.160, 0.636] , P-value 0.0001. Secondary outcomes were discussed qualitatively.
Conclusion: The authors offer a decisive recommendation in favour of laser hair epilation in PSD however recommend for further high quality trials to investigate the ideal timing and frequency of laser hair epilation sessions.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Information regarding current literature of pilonidal sinus treatment
- Background of pilonidal disease
- Recent studies regarding hair removal in the pathophysiology and treatment of pilonidal sinus disease
- Current clinical manageent recommendations based on this study and future research questions proposed regarding this topic
