The Role of Erbium–YAG in Treating Male Genital Warts

Badea Jiryis, Khozayma Khamaysi, Emily Avitan-Hersh, Jonathan Shapiro, Marwan Dawood, Majd Shehadeh, Ziad Khamaysi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background/Objective: Condyloma acuminatum, also known as genital warts, results from infections of the basal epithelium or mucous membranes by human papillomavirus (HPV). These lesions can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Recent advances in laser technology, particularly ablative lasers such as CO2 and Erbium–YAG (Er:YAG), have introduced new treatment opportunities. The Er:YAG laser has gained recognition as a safe and effective treatment for viral warts. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser treatment of male genital warts and to identify risk factors that might influence its effectiveness. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 102 patients who underwent Er:YAG laser wart removal between January 2019 and April 2024 was conducted. Results: Of the 102 patients, 61 (60%) achieved complete response by the 12-month follow-up visit. The response rates were significantly lower when there was a high number of sessions required for complete response, long duration between wart onset and laser treatment, high number of warts treated, positive smoking status, concurrent immunosuppressed state, or active metabolic disease. Conclusions: The Er:YAG laser is an effective method for treating recalcitrant warts. Various factors were shown to influence its efficacy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1575
JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2025

Keywords

  • condyloma acuminatum
  • Er:YAG
  • genital warts
  • human papilloma virus
  • laser

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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