Cryocarboxy Surgery for the Treatment of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi of the Face, a New Addition of Simple Treatment for a Troublesome Problem

Abstract

Congenital melanocytic nevi of the face cause substantial psychological and cosmetic problems in affected patients. The treatment of giant congenital nevi has been a long-standing challenge, but currently, various treatment options, such as cryotherapy, chemical peeling, electrical cautery, laser therapy, and surgery, have been tried for the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi. In this article, we present our experience and the outcomes of the use of controlled carbon dioxide gas as a cryogen in the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi. This study included 42 patients with varying sizes of congenital melanocytic nevi seen from January 2014 to April 2019. Cryocarboxy surgery was performed in all cases. The average evaluation score of our patients was excellent in 28 (66.6%) cases, good in 9 (21.4%) cases, satisfactory in 5 (12%) cases, and we had no poor results. Cryocarboxy surgery is a good addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi. Carbon dioxide is a cheap, non-explosive, and readily available gas.