Zoon's balanitis treated with Erbium:YAG laser ablation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Zoon's balanitis (ZB) is an uncommon, benign, idiopathic inflammatory condition affecting uncircumcised males. Definitive treatments include circumcision and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation. We describe an alternative laser modality showing efficacy in the treatment of ZB.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We report the first case of ZB effectively treated with Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser ablation. We review the pathogenesis and medical, surgical, and laser management of ZB.

RESULTS:

Our patient demonstrated a long-term clinical and histologic cure after Er:YAG laser ablation of ZB.

CONCLUSIONS:

As an alternative to circumcision or continuous wave CO2 laser, we propose a trial of Er:YAG laser ablation as a low risk, first line treatment of ZB.

• Authors: John G Albertini, David E E Holck, Mary F Farley
• Journal: Lasers in surgery and medicine (Lasers Surg Med) Vol. 30 Issue 2 Pg. 123-6 ( 2002) ISSN: 0196-8092 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11870791 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Chemical References

• Carbon Dioxide
• Erbium

Topics

• Aged
• Balanitis (surgery)
• Carbon Dioxide
• Circumcision, Male (methods)
• Erbium
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Risk Factors
• Treatment Outcome