Carbon dioxide laser for treating pediatric facial papillomatosis: a case study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers enable precise vaporization of lesions with minimal bleeding and have been widely used to excise a wide variety of lesions with good results. Papillomatosis is a disorder characterized by a wart-like growth that tends to recur relentlessly after surgical removal or medical treatment. Treatment of pediatric facial papillomatosis by utilizing a CO2 laser is a viable alternative strategy. This paper presents a case of an 8-month-old child with facial papilloma, that we treated by ablation using a CO2 laser, and discusses the efficacy of this treatment modality. Methods A case of pediatric facial papilloma treated with CO2 laser ablation was reported, and the benefits of this treatment modality were reviewed and analyzed in the context of the existing literature. Results Under general anesthesia, the lesional tissue of the left lip was excised, and the pathological diagnosis was confirmed to be maxillofacial papilloma. The lesions were surgically ablated in stages using a CO2 laser, and erythromycin ointment was applied to the treated areas after surgery. A total of three rounds of CO2 laser treatment were performed. The child had no complications during or after the operations; the child’s facial appearance was significantly improved, and there was no sign of recurrence during the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions The CO2 laser was useful for resection of this patient who had pediatric facial papillomatosis, and it can restore an aesthetic facial soft tissue profile without significant residual facial deformity. The CO2 laser can achieve precise vaporization resection of diseased tissue with minimal blood loss and a good cosmetic result.