Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with carbon dioxide laser excision and second-intention healing.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disabling disease. Although medical management can at times control the disease, the treatment of choice is surgical excision. Surgical defects have been managed by second-intention healing, simple surgical closure, or complex surgical repairs.

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to determine the benefit of carbon dioxide laser excision with healing by second intention to treat lesions of hidradenitis suppurativa.

METHODS:

We treated seven patients who had axillary and inguinoperineal hidradenitis suppurativa with carbon dioxide laser excision followed by second-intention healing. A total of 12 procedures were performed (five bilateral and two unilateral). Follow-up periods were 10 to 27 months.

RESULTS:

After a healing time of 4 to 8 weeks, scars were flat and linear. Only one recurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa has been observed; this occurred along the margin of the surgical scar in a previously treated area. Some patients, however, had continued disease activity in untreated areas. All subjects were satisfied with the results of the procedure, and complications were minimal.

CONCLUSION:

Carbon dioxide laser excision with second-intention healing is safe and effective for hidradenitis suppurativa.

• Authors: E M Finley, J L Ratz
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 34 Issue 3 Pg. 465-9 (Mar 1996) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8609261 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carbon Dioxide

Topics

• Adult
• Axilla (surgery)
• Carbon Dioxide
• Cicatrix (pathology, prevention & control)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Groin (surgery)
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (surgery)
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (adverse effects, methods)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Perineum (surgery)
• Recurrence
• Wound Healing