24. Successful treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia by CO2 laser in a sexual health service

Abstract

Background Treatments for anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) are still being established. Methods: An audit of patients referred for treatment of anal disease by CO2 laser at a Perth SHS was performed. Patient demographics including sex, sexual preference, age, and HIV status were documented. Anal cytology, histopathology, and HPV testing before and after treatment were reviewed in this preliminary analysis. Initial diagnosis of anal disease including AIN was made by high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) and by histological examination. Patients were then referred for treatment. Six-monthly HRA review occurred after treatment and the original site of HGAIN was biopsied. Results: Preliminary analysis of 28 patients included 16 patients with AIN 2 and 12 with AIN 3. After laser treatment, 7 patients had no AIN, 3 had AIN 1, 10 had AIN 2 and 4 had AIN 3, indicating successful reduction in AIN status (Pearson χ2 = 15.2, P = 0.002). The incidence of AIN decreased over the 18 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Studies of CO2 laser ablation of the anal canal are ongoing and need further study. Table 1. High-resolution anoscopy follow up Rx, treatment