Treatment of port-wine stains for the 1990s.

BACKGROUND

A dramatic improvement in the treatment of patients with port-wine stains has occurred over the past 20 years owing to the availability of a variety of different laser systems. The argon laser was the first system to offer an advantage over the older surgical techniques that had previously been used to manage these patients. However, many new lasers have since been developed that further improved the treatment results while simultaneously reducing the risks, even when treating children.

OBJECTIVE

To present the current status of laser surgery for port-wine stains and describe how the many newer systems are being used to more effectively manage these patients.

METHODS

A thorough review of the medical literature was conducted on the use of new lasers, delivery systems, and treatment techniques for the management of port-wine stains.

RESULTS

The biggest advance in laser treatment of port-wine stains resulted from the development of systems that are capable of delivering yellow light. The improved precision provided by these lasers serves to minimize epidermal injury, limit nonspecific thermal damage, and permit treatment of newborns and young children without a significant risk of scarring.

CONCLUSION

Major benefits in the treatment of port-wine stains have resulted from the recent development of many new laser systems and laser accessories that provide a more precise response with less potential for complications than had been previously attainable with older technologies.