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


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.
Albertini
John G
JG
Department of Dermatology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, USA. John.Albertini@cen.amedd.army.mil
Holck
David E E
DE
Farley
Mary F
MF
D000368:Aged; D001446:Balanitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002944:Circumcision, Male / Q000379:methods*; D004871:Erbium; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004871:Erbium