Zoon's balanitis treated with Erbium:YAG laser ablation

Background and Objective Zoon's balanitis (ZB) is an uncommon, benign, idiopathic inflammatory condition affecting uncircumcised males. Definitive treatments include circumcision and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation. We describe an alternative laser modality showing efficacy in the treatment of ZB. Study Design/Materials and Methods We report the first case of ZB effectively treated with Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser ablation. We review the pathogenesis and medical, surgical, and laser management of ZB. Results Our patient demonstrated a long‐term clinical and histologic cure after Er:YAG laser ablation of ZB. Conclusions As an alternative to circumcision or continuous wave CO2 laser, we propose a trial of Er:YAG laser ablation as a low risk, first line treatment of ZB. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:123–126, 2002.