The use of a long­pulse neodymium (LP­Nd:YAG) laser in treatment of patients with human papillomavirus (common and plantar warts)

Objective — to compare the effectiveness of a non-ablative method of treatment with the use of a neodymium laser and cryodestruction in patients with vulgar warts. 
Materials and methods. 45 patients with vulgar warts, who were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria based on retrospective analysis of disease histories, were under observation. Three groups of patients were formed: 1st — treatment using the traditional method of laser therapy with a neodymium laser, 2nd — combined laser therapy with additional treatment of the affected areas with a laser scanner, 3rd — cryodestruction of warts. The Fotona SP Spectro new laser system — a long-pulse neodymium laser on yttria aluminum garnet (LP-Nd:YAG) with a wavelength of 1064 nm, a Fotona S11 scanner and Cry-Аc cryospray — was used for treatment. 
Results and discussion. According to the observation data within a year from the start of therapy, the best result according to the criterion of the speed of achieving positive treatment results and the absence of the appearance of new elements was noted in patients of the 2nd group who underwent combined laser therapy. Significant advantages of laser therapy over cryodestruction have been determined, both according to the results of this study and according to the literature. 
Conclusions. The combined method of laser therapy requires further careful study, but, without a doubt, is the most effective both in terms of aesthetic results and pathogenetic ones, since the action of laser radiation leads primarily to the neutralization of infected cells on the entire treatment area. Also, this combined technique allows reducing the recurrence of papillomavirus infection, and is practically painless for the patient. Based on the data obtained in the study, it can be concluded that the use of a neodymium laser is an effective alternative to cryotherapy, and significantly reduces the duration of treatment.