Carbon Dioxide Laser for the Treatment of Microcystic Lymphatic Malformations (Lymphangioma Circumscriptum): A Systematic Review. Issue 8 (22nd April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Savas, Jessica A.; Ledon, Jennifer; Franca, Katlein; Chacon, Anna; Zaiac, Martin; Nouri, Keyvan
• Is Part Of: Dermatologic surgery. Volume 39:Issue 8(2013)
• Page Start: 1147
• Page End: 1157
• Publication Date: 2013-04-22
• Subjects: Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.477
• DOI: 10.1111/dsu.12220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-0512

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="dsu12220-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="dsu12220-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a rare, superficial, cutaneous lymphatic malformation. Management is difficult because of high recurrence rates, regardless of the treatment modality chosen. The carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) laser may offer a less‐invasive option than surgery that provides satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.</p> </sec> <sec id="dsu12220-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To systematically review the efficacy and safety of the CO<sub>2</sub> laser for the treatment of LC.</p> </sec> <sec id="dsu12220-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>The terms "lymphangioma circumscriptum" and "microcystic lymphatic malformation" were combined with "treatment, " "laser, " and "carbon dioxide" during separate searches in the PubMed database. The articles retrieved were then evaluated based on set criteria.</p> </sec> <sec id="dsu12220-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>We identified 16 studies (11 case reports, 5 case series) with a total of 28 separate patients who had been treated for LC using a CO<sub>2</sub> laser. Eight patients remained disease free from 4 months to 3 years, 10 experienced partial recurrence, and two experienced complete recurrence. Various laser parameters were reported, and adverse effects were generally minor and infrequent, such as dyspigmentation and mild scarring.</p> </sec> <sec id="dsu12220-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Available evidence indicates that the CO<sub>2</sub> laser is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of LC, particularly in large lesions that may not be amenable to surgical intervention.</p> </sec> </abstract>