Treatment of Large External Genital Warts With CO Laser Therapy in a Pregnant Woman

Abstract

Background: Genital warts are very common. Large external genital warts are more commonly seen in
immune-suppressed individuals including pregnant women. Existing treatment modalities, center on
ameliorating symptoms which are largely of cosmetic concerns. CO2 laser therapy is a safe and effective
method used in the treatment of genital warts in the more vulnerable population of children and pregnant
women, due to its improved clearance rates and safer side effect profile.
Objective: We therefore aim to highlight the importance of making this safe and effective
treatment option available to all patients in this region including children and pregnant women.
Case Presentation: We present a 23 year old female at 24 weeks gestational age, who presented with
large fleshy colored cauliflower shaped lesions in her genital area including her introitus. She had surgical
ablation of these lesions with C02 laser therapy with complete clearance of the lesions, and subsequently
had an uneventful spontaneous vaginal delivery of a live male infant.
Conclusion: Co2 laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment modality, used for the removal of genital
warts in children and pregnant womenand should be made available to all patients.