Carbon dioxide laser perforation and extirpation of steatocystoma multiplex.
BACKGROUND
Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) is a rare condition that presents as multiple dermal cysts, the appearance of which can have a significant impact on the patients' quality of life. Treatment options for SM are limited to surgical excision.


OBJECTIVE
To present our experience of treating 8 SM cases using a novel approach that uses the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and to explore patients' views about the treatment.


METHODS
Patients were identified from our records. All patients had multiple lesions treated using the CO2 laser in the super pulse mode that punctured the cyst. This was followed by extirpating the cyst wall and its contents using a small Volkmann's spoon. Treatment efficacy was assessed clinically and feedback from the patients was sought through a telephone interview.


RESULTS
All patients showed significant clinical improvement with minimal scarring and low recurrence rates. High levels of patient satisfaction, which helped to significantly improve their quality of life, were reported with the CO2 laser treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
CO2 laser perforation and extirpation is a successful approach for managing SM that results in high patient satisfaction.
*Both the authors are affiliated with the Manchester Laser Unit, Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Waseem
W
Bakkour
Vishal
V
Madan
D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla / Q000473:pathology; D001415:Back / Q000473:pathology; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D062685:Steatocystoma Multiplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013848:Thigh / Q000473:pathology; D013909:Thorax / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome