SiLaT
Sinus Laser Therapy
Sinus Laser Therapy (SiLaT) is a little invasive surgical technique involving the cleaning of the cyst wound to remove bacteria, hair, puss, and granulation tissue, which allows for tissue healing and, as a result, cyst cavity atresia. A big advantage of this method is the reduced expansiveness of the procedure, which is limited only to the cyst cavity and results in small, relatively easily healing wounds, that usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks. Due to the limited invasiveness the cosmetic effect is very good – the buttocks remain practically unchanged.
Qualification for surgery
During the qualification visit, Dr. Norbert Zapotoczny assesses the lesion and establishes the final diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms and the ultrasound. Then he discusses possible treatment methods with the patient. Each of the methods has its advantages and disadvantages, which is why discussing all the pros and cons with the patients is so important, since everyone may have different expectations and priorities regarding the treatment effects.
Course of the procedure
The surgery is conducted in local anesthesia and the patient can return home immediately after the procedure. In the first stage, the cyst cavity is opened through skin incision or resection of the purulent fistula opening. After gaining access to the cyst canal, the entire contents of the canal, consisting mostly of hair and granulation tissue, sometimes also puss, are removed with surgical instruments. Similarly, all the canals leading to the skin surface are cleaned. Then, fiber laser is inserted into the cyst cavity and with the use of laser light and laser-generated thermal energy, the infected and necrotic tissues forming the cyst wall are destroyed, until healthy tissues are reached. Thus cleaned cyst is left for healing.
A big advantage of the above method is the reduced expansiveness of the procedure, which is limited only to the cyst cavity and results in small, relatively easily healing wounds, that usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks. Due to the limited invasiveness, the cosmetic effect is very good – the buttocks remain practically unchanged, however, this can also be viewed as a disadvantage – since the deep intergluteal cleft is left unchanged, the risk of cyst reoccurrence will always be higher and can reach 15–17% in 3 years and even more in a longer period.
Postsurgical recovery
Laser treatment of pilonidal cyst is a little invasive procedure and, therefore, pain is usually experienced only on the first day after the procedure and is associated mostly with the use of the laser. The patient may walk and sit immediately after the procedure and 24 hours post surgery and take a shower without the dressing. Wound care is easy: the patient only needs to change the dressings, which can be done at home according to postsurgical instructions. The wound usually heals in 4 to 6 weeks. While normal physical activity is possible immediately after the procedure, intense exercise, contact sports, and activities associated with staying under water for long periods of time (bath, swimming pool) can be safely resumed 6 weeks after the procedure.
SiLaT efficacy
The efficacy of pilonidal cyst treatment with the use of laser ablation is estimated at about 83–85%.
In patients with history of standard surgery or repeated ablation of the pilonidal cyst, the efficacy of the second procedure is estimated at about 80%.
Due to the lack of change in the shape of the intergluteal cleft, the risk of recurrence may increase over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The current price of the procedure, according to the price list on our website, is PLN 7900. The price includes follow-up visits.
The standard procedure is pre-qualification for the laser method during a consultation with Dr. Norbert Zapotoczny. To meet the needs of patients living in different parts of Poland, in some cases we also offer the option of qualifying for the procedure and performing it in a single visit. The decision to schedule the qualification and procedure in a single visit depends on the severity and history of the condition. Additionally, preparation for the procedure is necessary, so if you are interested in this option, please contact our office.
When planning pilonidal cyst treatment, we focus on three main objectives:
1. The shortest possible wound healing time
2. A convalescence period that allows the patient to maintain an acceptable quality of life and continue daily functioning
3. The risk of recurrence should be as low as possible.
Each of the treatment methods has its advantages and disadvantages, which is why discussing all the pros and cons with the patients is so important, since everyone may have different expectations and priorities regarding the treatment effects.