ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The rationale for choosing certain anesthetic options in children when they are being treated with pulsed lasers is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the safety and side effects of general anesthesia in the treatment of vascular lesions and to compare this to treatment outcome in the office setting. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective chart review of 179 patients, with an age range of 5 weeks to 18 years, who received laser treatment and underwent different anesthetic modalities. The age of the patient and the size, location, and severity of the vascular lesion were also noted. RESULTS: The factors determining the type of anesthesia to use included (1) the age of the patient, (2) the number of treatments, and (3) the size and location of the lesion. Our data showed minimal risk and sequelae of general anesthesia in the treatment of vascular lesions in children. CONCLUSION: Proper selection of anesthesia is a key factor in dealing with children. Office surgery can be performed safely when small lesions are treated. The use of general anesthesia in the treatment of port-wine stains in children does not appear to be accompanied by increased risk.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Laser Therapy , Port-Wine Stain/radiotherapy , Adolescent , Anesthesia, General , Anesthesia, Local , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Laryngeal Masks , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Q-switched lasers have shown to be effective in the removal of unwanted cutaneous pigmentation. Benign cutaneous pigmented lesions represent a heterogeneous group. Nevus spilus is a relatively uncommon pigmented lesion characterized by dark, hyperpigmented dots scattered over a tan-colored macule. OBJECTIVE: A cohort of patients with nevus spilus was studied to determine the effects of Q-switched ruby and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment on clearance of pigment and to evaluate potential side effects. METHODS: Six patients with nevus spilus were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser (QSR). In addition, three lesions received a test treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSYAG) laser at 532 or 1064 nm. The results of treatment were documented during follow up visits. RESULTS: Most lesions showed a near-complete or complete response to laser treatment. In one case partial hyperpigmentation occurred after treatment and in one case no follow-up could be obtained. In the three cases that received both QSR and QSYAG laser treatment, the QSR laser was shown to be the most effective in removing pigment. CONCLUSION: Nevus spilus can be treated effectively with the Q-switched ruby laser.
