CO(2) laser vaporization as primary therapy for human papillomavirus lesions. A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus manifestations occur with increased frequency and severity amongst sexually active people. Several therapeutic approaches have been suggested to treat this viral disease. The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess the effectiveness of CO(2) laser vaporization for human papillomavirus warts.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Eighty healthy sexually active women with cytologically, colposcopically and histologically diagnosed human papillomavirus urogenital and perianal warts were enrolled and then treated by CO(2) laser (16-18 W). Male partners were also investigated, and interferon-beta was eventually administered. All patients were then followed up for twelve months consecutively.

RESULTS

At twelve-month follow-up, warts clearance was observed in 70 (87.5%) women. Recurrence was reported in ten (12.5%) women with multiple partners and affected by flat or endophytic condiloma of the cervix. Moreover, there were no complaints of pain, scar tissue deformity or other side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

CO(2) laser vaporization is an effective, as well as safe and simple therapeutic approach for treatment of human papillomavirus warts. Its use should be encouraged for condyloma acuminata not associated with malignancy, as well as during pregnancy.