Treatment of port-wine stain with frequency-doubled ND: YAG laser a preliminary report

Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of frequency-doubled Nd: YAG (532nm) laser in the treatment of port-wine stain (PWS). Patients and Methods: Twenty adult patients (11 females and 9 males; age range, 1452 years) were enrolled in the study. PWSs over head and neck region were irradiated with a variable fluence (7.25-9.65J/cm2) at 420 weeks interval for 1.11 times (average 4.3). During the treatment phase patients were assessed monthly for improvement and side effects. Treatments would be continued till no further improvement occurs. After completion of treatment phase patients would be followed bimonthly for two years. Results: Of 20 patients, 10(50%) showed more than 50% improvement. Mild to moderate improvement was noted in the remaining patients. Hyperpigmentation (80%) and textural alterations (80%) were frequently found. However, these were mild and resolved in 2-6 months. Rare complications included intraoperative mild hemorrhage (10%) mild eczema (10%) and pyogenic granuloma (5%) One patient manifesting almost complete disappearance of PWs has been followed up for 4.5 months. The improvement has been maintained without any adverse event. All other patients are still under treatment phase. Conclusion: Quasi-Continuous frequency- doubled Nd:YAG laser is effective and safe in the treatment of PWS.