Pilonidal Cyst Laser Extirpation (PCLE)
Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS· Board-certified in Colon & Rectal Surgery and General Surgery· Published · Reviewed
- Setting
- In office
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthetic
- Back to work
- Most patients return to work, life and sport the next day
- Pain relief
- No prescription pain medication
Pilonidal Cyst Laser Extirpation (PCLE)
A minimally invasive treatment with up to a 99% overall cure rate — with most patients recovering in days, not weeks. Say goodbye to long, painful recoveries. PCLE is a safe, proven, office-based procedure performed by Dr. Allen Kamrava, one of the most experienced surgeons in the world in this treatment. Many of our patients return to school, work, and sports within just a few days. Learn More 99% Cure Rate 1-2 Days Recovery 200+ Patients Treated
Why Patients Choose Laser Treatment
Minimally Invasive
Tiny laser probe treats the problem at its source with no large incisionsFast Recovery
Many patients return to normal activities within 1–2 daysNo Drains
Unlike traditional surgery, PCLE requires no drains or extensive wound careMinimal Pain
A fraction of the pain compared to conventional surgical approaches Traditional surgery for pilonidal cysts often means large wounds, weeks of downtime, and high recurrence rates. PCLE is different. With a tiny laser probe, we treat the problem at its source — with no large incisions, no drains, and a fraction of the pain. Many of our patients are back to normal activities within 1–2 days. This isn't just a promise — it reflects what many of our patients experience after PCLE treatment.The PCLE Advantage
Experience the difference of modern, minimally invasive treatmentBack to Life — Fast
These stories highlight the rapid recoveries our patients often achieve with PCLE.Professional Volleyball
A professional volleyball player competed in a full game just 48 hours after her procedureGolf
A golf player played 18 holes the very next dayEquestrian
A equestrian player got back on her horse the same weekPre-Med Student
A pre-med student player scheduled his second procedure in the middle of final exams — he had the procedure between tests and went straight back to the library to studyReal Results from Real Patients
Whether you're an athlete, student, or busy professional, PCLE helps most patients return to their routines quickly, often within days. These recovery stories represent what hundreds of our patients have experienced with this revolutionary treatment.99% Overall Cure Rate. Proven in Hundreds of Patients.
Our soon to be published results show PCLE achieves some of the highest reported success rates for pilonidal disease worldwide.94%
First-time patients cured with just one procedure77%
Patients with prior failed surgeries cured on first try99%
Overall cure rate with 1 or 2 treatments200+
Patients successfully treated worldwideFirst-Time Patient Success
94% cured with just one procedure Average recovery time: 1-2 days Minimal complications and side effectsPrevious Surgery Failures
77% cured on the first PCLE treatment All patients requiring second treatment were completely cured Superior outcomes vs. repeat traditional surgeryThat's a 99% cure rate overall — among the highest reported for pilonidal disease.
Our results come from the largest single-surgeon experience with PCLE, showing one of the highest reported success rates for pilonidal disease. World-Class ExpertiseThe Most Experienced PCLE Surgeon
Board-Certified
Colorectal SurgeonTeaching Faculty
Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterInnovator in Care
Among the earliest surgeons to adopt and refine PCLE techniques200+ Procedures
Outstanding results Experience makes all the difference. Dr. Allen Kamrava is a board-certified colorectal surgeon and teaching faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is among the most experienced surgeons worldwide performing PCLE, with hundreds of cases treated in his practice. When you choose us, you're choosing extensive experience in laser treatment for pilonidal disease. Dr. Kamrava's expertise and innovative approach have helped refine PCLE and make it a leading option for patients seeking effective, minimally invasive care. Why Experience Matters Pioneered and refined PCLE technique Trains other surgeons in PCLE technique Consistently achieves very high success rates in line with published research "The surgeon you choose can make the difference between success and failure. With PCLE, you want the most experienced hands." — Dr. Allen KamravaTrusted Across the Globe
Patients travel from around the world for Dr. Kamrava's expertise in PCLE treatment.50%+
Patients travel from out of state or overseas4 Continents
Patients from the U.S., Asia, Middle East, and EuropeSame Day
Many fly in and home the same dayNo Difference
Success rates for local vs. travel patientsWhy Patients Travel for PCLE
Global Convenience
More than half of our patients travel from out of state or overseas. We've treated patients from across the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East. Many patients fly in the morning of their procedure and fly home the same day. Our streamlined process makes travel simple, with comprehensive pre-procedure consultations that can be conducted virtually to minimize your time away from home.Proven Results
Our study showed no difference in success rates between local and out-of-state patients. Wherever you live, you can count on the same exceptional results. The combination of Dr. Kamrava's expertise and the PCLE technique delivers consistent outcomes regardless of where you're traveling from.Travel Support Included
Virtual pre-consultations Flexible scheduling Travel coordination assistance Life Without LimitsMinimal Pain. Maximum Freedom.
Life shouldn't stop for pilonidal disease. PCLE was designed to get you back on your feet — fast.Athletes
Return to training and competition within days, not monthsStudents
Don't miss exams, assignments, or important milestonesProfessionals
Minimal time away from work and career responsibilitiesBusy Lives
Get back to your routine quickly, often within daysThe PCLE Recovery Advantage
No Drains
Unlike traditional surgery, PCLE requires no drains or tubesMinimal Wound Care
Simple, straightforward post-procedure care instructionsNo Extended Time Off
Many patients return to normal activities within 1-2 daysDon't Let Pilonidal Disease Define Your Life
Whether you're training for a competition, preparing for finals, or managing a demanding career, PCLE is designed to work with your life, not against it. Many patients tell us that the rapid recovery allows them to focus on what matters most — their goals, their passions, and their future. Recovery Timeline Day 1: Procedure completed, return home Day 2-3: Normal activities resume Week 1: Full activity clearance Patient VoicesWhat Our Patients Say
Hundreds of patients treated. Hundreds of lives changed. "The recovery was so easy compared to my first surgery. I was back at work in two days and couldn't believe the difference."Sarah M.
Previous surgery patient "I flew in from overseas for the procedure and was back home the next day. Dr. Kamrava's expertise made all the difference."Michael K.
International patient "As a college athlete, I needed a solution that wouldn't derail my season. PCLE got me back on the field faster than I ever imagined."Jessica L.
Student athleteConsistently Life-Changing Results
200+
Patients Treated4.7★
Average Rating99%
Would RecommendOur patients consistently report not just physical healing, but a return to confidence and freedom from the limitations that pilonidal disease imposed on their lives.
Ready to Take Action?Take Back Your Life with PCLE
Don't settle for outdated surgeries or long recoveries. With PCLE, you can expect rapid healing, proven results, and care from the most experienced team worldwide.Why Choose PCLE Today
Proven 99% overall cure rate with 1 or 2 treatments 1-2 day recovery time Pioneering Experience in PCLE Patients from around the globe Same-day travel patients welcome. Many patients fly in for their procedure and return home the next day with exceptional results. Take the first step toward rapid recovery and proven results. Virtual consultations available for out-of-state and international patientsWorld Leader
In PCLE procedures performedUnder Review for Publication
In our series of 196 procedures in 178 patients through June 2025 — presented at the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting — first-pass cure was 94% in patients with no prior surgery, and 99% overall. The manuscript is under review for publication.Global Practice
Patients from 4 continents "Your life doesn't have to be defined by pilonidal disease. Let us help you get back to living." — Dr. Allen KamravaHow it's done
- 1Numbing — the area is numbed with local anesthetic. No general anesthesia, no hospital stay.
- 2Cleaning — the sinus tracts are cleared of hair and debris.
- 3Laser — a fine laser fiber is passed into each tract to close it from the inside.
- 4Home — you leave the same day with a small dressing and no open wound to pack.
What to expect
Same day
Home within a couple of hours.
Next day
Most patients are back to work, school, and normal activity.
First week
Light dressing care — no wound packing and no prescription pain medicine.
Follow-up
A quick visit to confirm healing.
Sources
- Steele SR, Hull TL, Hyman N, et al., eds. The ASCRS (American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons) Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery. 4th ed. Springer; 2022.
- American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons — Clinical Practice Guidelines.
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