Epidermoid cyst removal with CO2 laser fenestration: A retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Epidermoid cyst (EC) is a common and benign tumor, which can occur anywhere on the skin. Surgical excision is usually considered as the first-line treatment. However, linear scars arising after excision for EC remain a cosmetic problem. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of EC removal assisted with CO2 laser fenestration. All patients diagnosed with EC and treated with CO2 laser fenestration, content extrusion, and removal of the cyst wall between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, were included in this study. After a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 27months, scarring, recurrence, complications, and satisfaction were assessed and analyzed. Forty-three of the 47 patients have been cured by a single operation. The recurrence rate was 8.5%, which was not significantly correlated with tumor sizes or locations. 46.8% of the patients had no obvious scar after treatment. No infections or complications were observed in any of these cases. 89.4% of the patients were satisfied with the effectiveness of the treatment, while 95.7% and 87.2% were satisfied with the comfort and the cosmetic results, respectively. CO2 laser fenestration-assisted removal procedure is effective for the treatment of ECs with good aesthetic outcome.