Comparing thulium laser and Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of genital and urethral condylomata acuminata in male patients.

BACKGROUND: To date therapies for condylomata acuminata of the male genital are known for high recurrence rates and bothersome side effects, while urethral warts are not always reachable by most traditional therapies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes in the treatment of condylomata acuminata on the male external genitalia and/or urethra using the Thulium laser and the Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser (Nd:YAG).

METHODS: From January 1994 to January 2013, 76 men with condylomata acuminata on the external genitalia or within the urethra were treated with the Nd:YAG laser and 39 men with the Thulium laser. Primary clearance rate, relapse characteristics and complications were investigated retrospectively and compared.

RESULTS: Of the total of 115 patients, 39 patients (34%) developed recurrences, of which 13 in the Thulium laser group en 26 in the Nd:YAG laser group. Two patients in the Thulium group and four in the Nd:YAG group had minor complications.

CONCLUSION: This first report of the treatment of condylomata acuminata with the Thulium laser shows that it is a safe and effective treatment for condylomata, both on the external genitalia and in the urethra. The recurrence rate is comparable to the Nd:YAG laser and there have been minimal complications as a result of minimal scarring.