The Gips Procedure and laser pilonidoplasty are minimal procedures which are combined to yield a lengthy period of symptom freedom, with a brief recovery period and little cosmetic change.
Many pilonidal patients request smaller, less invasive surgical treatments. In response to this need, the PTCNJ has handpicked a collection of such techniques that uses tiny incisions and spares patients the anatomy-altering effect of our curative gluteal cleft-lift procedure but still provides for select patients a robust period of symptom freedom.
Using these techniques, we have so designed the Minimally Invasive Pilonidal Treatment (MIPiT) protocol, the backbone of which is the evidence-based Gips procedure in which fine hemostats, scalpel, and small surgical instruments called trephines are used to clear the larger pilonidal pits and any associated sinus tracts of embedded hair shafts and diseased inflammatory tissue (Gips M et al, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 2008).
Our regimen also utilizes the meticulously calibrated thermal energy of the NeoV continuous wave laser system (ForTec Medical- Hudson,Ohio) to ablate the smaller pits and any associated abscess cavities (see inserted diagram).
Drawing from the robust pilonidal microbiology data available only at a dedicated center such as ours, we augment the MIPiT regimen with the judicious use of antibiotic therapy, both in a tailored oral form and in a topical cream-based form to hasten healing and decrease recurrence risk.
FAQs
Minimal cosmetic changes are seen because incisions are all 1 cm or less, and the gluteal cleft is not altered in any way.
Any pilonidal patient is eligible for our MIPiT protocol, particularly those with one chronically draining pilonidal sinus tract. Of course, the protocol is ideally suited for those desiring long term symptom freedom with minimal surgical intervention.
Minimal wound care is necessary following our index MIPiT procedure. A large gauze overdressing is removed and discarded on the first postoperative day prior to the first shower, in which the incisions are bathed with soap and warm water. Generally following showers, an absorbent cream is applied to the incisions twice per day until scabs form.
No work, exercise or sitting restrictions are imposed following the MIPiT procedure.
We perform the procedure under intravenous sedation with local anesthetic to fully numb the area.
CONTACT US TODAY!
Contact us today and let us help you leave your pain behind.