Cryosurgery for pilonidal disease.

Pilonidal disease was treated by a new conservative technic, featuring opening the sinus tracks, removal of imbedded hairs and granulation tissue by gentle curettage, and freezing the opened wound with liquid nitrogen. The goal was to conserve tissue yet improve the chance of cure by a simple operation. Cryosurgery was used in twenty-nine patients with pilonidal disease invaried forms, including recurrent disease after previous operation in seventeen patients. The results, in terms of hospital stay, patient acceptance, and wound healing, compare favorably with alternate treatment methods. The slow healing time of the cryogenic wound, especially at the skin level, appeared to be an important factor in the success of the technic.