Extended Superficial Laser Ablation for Extensive Condylomata in a Rural Tertiary Referral Center

In order to ascertain the impact of extensive condylomata acuminata in a rural tertiary care center, a retrospective review was undertaken for a 1-year period, July 1, 1987, to June 30, 1988, emphasizing physician operating room time expenditure and cost. Thirteen patients with extensive condylomata acuminata underwent 15 laser procedures in an operating room setting with general or regional anesthesia. During this same period, 42 patients underwent 49 laser ablations of condylomata acuminata under local anesthesia as office outpatients. Operating room time, length of hospital stay, insurance status, and success of treatment were evaluated. Laser vaporization was found to be very effective in ablating large areas of epidermis infected with human papilloma virus. It was also found to be very expensive with regard to physician time, operating room time, and cost to the health care system. Prioritization of health care expenditures needs to be developed with respect to expensive, time-consuming procedures that provide limited reimbursement for nonacute conditions, such as condylomata acuminata.