title: Recurrence rate and patient satisfaction of CO2 laser evaporation of lesions in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a retrospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating disease and is difficult to treat. Validation of surgical techniques is therefore of great importance in the management of HS. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser evaporation has been shown effective, but larger-scale studies are scarce.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the recurrence rate, time to recurrence, and factors influencing disease recurrence in skin treated with CO2 laser evaporation, and healing by secondary intention; and patients' satisfaction with treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-eight patients treated with CO2 laser evaporation were interviewed regarding recurrence and satisfaction after a mean of 25.7 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventeen of 58 (29%) reported recurrence of HS lesions within the borders of the treated areas after a mean of 12.7 months. Obesity was a risk factor for recurrence with a hazard ratio of 4.53. Fifty-five patients (95%) reported some or great improvement, and 91% would recommend the CO2 laser surgery to other HS patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study supports the claim that CO2 laser treatment is an effective modality for recurrent HS lesions in a majority of patients. The authors identified obesity as a risk factor for recurrence. Self-reported satisfaction is high, and only 3 of 58 report no change in the condition. None reported a worsening.
authors: *All the authors are affiliated with the Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Peter Riis
authors: PR
authors: Mikkelsen
authors: Deirde Nathalie
authors: DN
authors: Dufour
authors: Kian
authors: K
authors: Zarchi
authors: Gregor B E
authors: GB
authors: Jemec
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors