A comparative assessment of the efficacy of the treatment of patients suffering from common warts with the use of destructive methods

Abstract

Objective. To compare the efficacy of the treatment of patients suffering from common warts with the use of laser destruction methods using a diode laser with the wavelength of 0.81 μm, electrocoagulation and liquid nitrogen cryosurgery. Materials and methods. The sample comprised 75 patients suffering from common warts on their wrists. The patients were allocated to three groups, and their therapy included treatment with diode laser irradiation with the wavelength of 0.81 μm electrocoagulation and liquid nitrogen cryodestruction. The treatment efficacy was assessed by the frequency and terms of relapses, nature of the developing scar and presence or absence of dyspigmentation. Results. A positive effect was registered in 76% of the patients in case of laser destruction, in 56% of the patients in case of electrocoagulation and in 44% of the patients in case of treatment with liquid nitrogen; a satisfactory effect was registered in 16, 20 and 32% of the patients, respectively. Relapses were observed in 8, 24 and 24% of the patients, respectively. The following benefits of the treatment of common warts with diode laser irradiation vs. electrocoagulation and liquid nitrogen cryodestruction were revealed: less painful procedure, rare adverse reactions and shorter terms of operative wound epithelialization.