The carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of vulvar disease.

Our review of the current use of the carbon dioxide laser in treating vulvar disease reveals that it holds significant promise in the treatment of vulvar intraepithelial carcinoma, condylomata acuminata, and focal vestibular adenitis. The long-range results of such treatment, however, are not yet known. Until sufficient data are accumulated to demonstrate the efficacy of the laser in treating the vulvar dystrophies and herpes genitalis, it should be used with caution, and the results should be carefully evaluated and reported.