[Controlled layered removal of anogenital warts by argon-plasma coagulation].
BACKGROUND
According to guidelines of the German STD Association, appropriate treatment of extensive anogenital warts with comparable recurrence rates includes cryotherapy, surgical excision, electrosurgery, CO2- and Nd:YAG-laser vaporisation. All these procedures are associated with varying degrees of risk for bleeding, release of potentially infectious aerosol, deep thermal destruction, slow wound healing, and scarring.


METHODS
Using argon-plasma coagulation anogenital warts can be removed in layers in a controlled manner. High frequency current flows through the argon plasma to the tissue, allowing well-controlled, superficial tissue destruction.


RESULTS
From January 2001 to March 2003, 54 patients with extensive genital, anal or anogenital warts were treated. After one treatment, 66% of the pa- tients remained disease-free in the following 4 months. Thirteen patients (24%) showed early recurrence after 4 weeks, five patients (9%) at a later date. In these patients, further treatment, in 9 cases combined with topical imiquimod cream, were necessary for complete remission.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to other therapeutic procedures, argon-plasma coagulation is a better controlled, quick and low-risk option for the treatment of anogenital warts. Depending on the type of involvement and individual risk factors, postoperative treatment with topical imiquimod cream may be useful.
Weyandt
Gerhard H
GH
Klinik und Poliklinik für Haut-und Geschlechtskrankheiten der Universität Wurzburg. Weyandt_G@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Benoit
Sandrine
S
Becker
Jürgen C
JC
Bröcker
Eva-Bettina
EB
Hamm
Henning
H
D000328:Adult; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D001128:Argon; D015897:Comorbidity; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005740:Gases; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014860:Warts / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*
D005740:Gases; D001128:Argon