Giant condylomata (Buschke-Löwenstein tumours): our case load in surgical treatment and review of the current therapies.

BACKGROUND: Buschke-Löwenstein tumour (BLT) or giant condyloma is a verrucous infiltrating lesion, due to a sexually transmitted virus infection, human papilloma virus subtypes 6 and 11. Poor hygiene, promiscuity, chronic irritation and cellular immunocompromised states are often implicated in its genesis. Typical treatment of giant condyloma includes imiquimod cream, podophillin resin, cryotherapy, laser surgery, tangential shave excision with electrocautery.

OBJECTIVE: The authors report their case load in the treatment of giant condyloma and the review of the modern therapies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: 27 consecutive patients (18 men, nine women) underwent surgery for giant condylomata of perianal region and externa genitalia at the Department of Plastic Surgery of the University of Palermo, from October 2006 to December 2009. All the patients had been treated before with conservative therapies without significant results. We performed the radical excision with split-thickness skin graft in all the patients.

RESULTS: No significant complications have occurred in all the cases. The functional and aesthetic outcome were satisfying. No recurrence of disease were noticed in the follow-up.

CONCLUSION: the radical excision with split-thickness skin graft appears to be a successful option of treatment for Buschke-Löwenstein tumours. Compared to other methods it does not necessitate several stages of treatment, moreover it has the advantage of a lower risk of recurrence, it allows a complete histologic examination, the healing process is rapid, the improvement of quality of patients's life is significant.