Preconditions and Indications for Laser Therapy of Benign and Precancerous Lesions of the Lower Female Genital Tract — An Overview

Abstract

Laser surgery has revolutionized the treatment of some diseases of the lower genital tract. Until recently, “bloody surgery” led to considerable tissue destruction, scar formation, often wound-healing problems, and to abandonment of sexual activity. Hospitalization times ranged from several days to weeks. In contrast, laser therapy — frequently without anesthesia — is often performed as an outpatient procedure, and thus costs are considerably reduced. The cosmetic result after laser vaporization is mostly excellent. A new squamocolumnar junction and a transitional zone form. No scars are generated on the vulva or the vagina, or perineally and perianally, which is a convincing argument in favor of laser therapy, especially for young women. One also has to consider that benign and premalignant lesions will occur more frequently in the future in sexually active women.