Erbium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment of penile pearly papules

Background: Penile pearly papules (PPP) are benign angiofibromas of the penis, frequently misdiagnosed as genital warts (condylomata acuminata). The lesions are often the reason for significant distress of the patient and his sexual partner, thus requiring occasional treatment, removing the lesions in a non-aggressive manner. Methods: Forty-five patients with PPP were treated with 2940 nm Er:YAG laser (Skinlight, FOTONA, Slovenia) in ablation mode. The treatment parameters were: energy 400-500 mJ, spot diameter 1.5-3 mm, repetition rate 8-10 Hz and energy density 5.8 -28.9 J/cm(2). Results: PPP were successfully removed in all 45 patients in 1-6 (mean +/- SD 2.0 +/- 1.3) sessions without complications. Conclusion: Er:YAG laser ablation represents an efficient method of removal of PPP. The procedure can be performed in outpatient clinics.