Author/Authors :
Del Zingaro, Michele Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Cochetti, Giovanni Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Zucchi, Alessandro Department of Urology - University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy , Paladini, Alessio Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Adolfo Rossi De Vermandois, Jacopo Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Ciarletti, Sara Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Felici, Graziano Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Maiolino, Giuseppe Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Renzetti, Roberto Department of Surgeries - Urology, Presidio Ospedaliero Pescara, Pescara, Italy , Gaudio, Gianluca Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy , Mearini, Ettore Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences - Division of Urology Clinic - University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Abstract :
Introduction: Genital condylomatosis is a highly contagious disease caused by the human papilloma
virus (HPV). The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy
of the Holmium:YAG (yttrium-aluminium-garnet) laser in the treatment of genital and intra-urethral
warts; the secondary aim was to assess the patients’ postoperative satisfaction and cosmetic results.
Methods: From December 2016 to March 2019, patients with genital warts were prospectively
enrolled in three hospitals. The inclusion criteria were male gender, age over 18 years-old and
treatment-naïve. External and urethral genitalia warts were treated by the Holmium YAG laser.
The follow-up analysis consisted of physical examination, flexible urethro-cystoscopy in case of
meatal lesions, and administration of Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) and Patient Global
Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaires at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and
subsequently yearly.
Results: Sixty patients were enrolled. The single treatment was effective in 57/60 patients (95%).
At a mean follow-up of 26 months, recurrences occurred in 8 patients (13.3%). No peri- or post-
operative complication occurred. An improvement in pre-operative condition was highlighted with
PGI-I and DLQI questionnaires.
Conclusion: Our prospective multicentre study showed that holmium laser surgery seems to be a
safe and effective treatment for external genital and urethral warts. Good dermatological outcomes
aid to further improve patient satisfaction.
