title: The combined continuous-wave/pulsed carbon dioxide laser for treatment of pyogenic granuloma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pyogenic granuloma is a frequently diagnosed, benign vascular lesion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present the use of the combined continuous-wave/pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser as an innovative therapeutic method, to compare it with established methods, and to assess its results.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective observational study between March 1998 and July 2000, comprising 1 treatment session with 6-week and 6-month follow-up examinations and evaluations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Private or institutional practices as well as ambulatory or hospitalized care.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred patients with pyogenic granuloma selected from a population-based sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment with CO2 laser. The laser was first used in continuous mode (power, 15 W) and then in pulsed mode (pulse length, 0.6-0.9 milliseconds; energy fluence, 500 mJ/pulse).
  
  
  METHODS
  Complete resolution of treated granuloma pyogenicum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pyogenic granuloma was removed completely in 1 treatment session in 98 patients without recurrence. In 88 cases there were no visible scars; in 10 cases slight textural changes of the skin were observed. Hypertrophic scars or keloids did not occur. Sixty-three patients were very satisfied with the result of the treatment, 37 were satisfied (ie, 100% patient satisfaction), and none indicated that they were not satisfied. No permanent hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or erythema was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined continuous-wave/pulsed CO2 laser is our treatment of choice for pyogenic granuloma because this kind of laser is widely available, produces excellent results with few adverse effects, is easy to use, yields low recurrence rates, and is well tolerated by most patients.
authors.affiliation: Laserklinik Karlsruhe, Kaiserstr 104, D-76133 Karlsruhe, Germany. info@laserklinik.de
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Raulin
authors.forename: Baerbel
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Greve
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hammes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017789:Granuloma, Pyogenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide