Venous malformation of the glans penis: efficacy of treatment with neodymium:yttruim-aluminum-garnet laser

OBJECTIVES: Vascular anomalies in the urogenital tract are very rare and those located in glans penis are the most uncommon. There is some controversy concerning their nomenclature, diagnosis and treatment. We present an analysis of our experience and a critical review of the literature. METHODS: Three cases of vascular lesions in the glans penis concordant with venous malformations were diagnosed at our center in 1996. The patients were 22, 20, and 12 years old, and attended our center for aesthetic reasons only. Even though two of the lesions were large, treatment with neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation was used. RESULTS: The outcome of treatment was satisfactory and no signs of recurrence were observed at follow-up examinations after a minimum of 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Until recently, surgery has been the classical therapeutic approach, and only a few cases treated with the Nd:YAG laser have been reported. However, in our opinion, this should be the first choice treatment for this anomaly, given its efficacy, cosmetic results, and low morbidity.