IMR Press / CEOG / Volume 46 / Issue 2 / DOI: 10.12891/ceog4893.2019

Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.

Open Access Original Research
Carbon dioxide laser as a new valid treatment of lichen sclerosus
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1 Operative Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2Pathology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
2 Pathology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
*Correspondence: eliopek@gmail.com (B. PECORINO)
Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2019, 46(2), 206–210; https://doi.org/10.12891/ceog4893.2019
Published: 10 April 2019
Abstract

Purpose of Investigation: To investigate the role of CO2 laser in the patients affected by lichen sclerosus (LS), analyzing histological changes and relief of feminine discomfort. Materials and Methods: The authors report a case series of ten patients with histologically verified LS, undergoing fractional CO2 laser, from January 2017 to December 2017. The mean age of the participants was 55 (range 40-68) years, and five had been previously treated with the topical corticosteroid clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment with limited efficacy. The overall sessions varied depending on the lichen extension, from one to three treatments. Results: All the patients tolerated the procedure well with re-epithelialization occurring within 3-4 weeks in all cases. Carbon dioxide laser was successful in achieving remarkable symptoms reduction or remission. There was an improvement in the appearance of the introitus, and in elastic opening and closing. Post-treatment histology revealed trophic epithelium with mild acanthosis and small areas with superficial hyperkeratosis. These results were maintained throughout the three-month post-treatment follow-up period. Conclusion: Laser treatment is relatively simple and effective. The histological changes observed in these patients suggest a more comprehensive healing effect of the fractional CO2 laser, not only symptomatic approach. The authors await the next follow-up to establish the duration of the effects. Content: CO2 laser is a valid treatment option for LS, improving discomfort through histological changes of tissue.

Keywords
Laser CO2
Lichen sclerosus
Itch
Dyspareunia
Vulva
Figures
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