Nd:YAG laser treatment of early stage carcinoma of the penis preserves form and function of penis

INTRODUCTION: We analysed the results of penis-preserving (conservative) treatment of early stage cancer of the penis with neodymium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with long-term follow-up in a developing country. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 32 patients with cancer penis from 1993 to 2005 who were treated by Nd:YAG laser local excision and in situ coagulation of the turnout bed. RESULTS: Out of 32 patients who were treated with Nd:YAG laser, 25 had pT(1) and seven had pT(2) stage cancer penis. The median follow-up was 70 months (range, 6-120 months). Two had stopped attending the follow-up clinic after 6-12 months. Three patients had concurrent and six had delayed inguinal block dissection. There was no mortality but two (6.25%) patients developed recurrence in 48-60 months post laser excision. Penis was preserved in all 32 patients. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. Eight patients practiced celibacy, in 23 sexual functions were normal and in one this information was not available. Micturition was in standing posture in all 32 patients. CONCLUSION: The result of this study shows that Nd:YAG laser treatment of early stage cancer penis has good local control with preservation of the penis.