Comparison of two dye lasers in the treatment of port-wine stains

Background. Port-wine stains (PWS) are congenital capillary malformations that persist throughout life. Laser therapy is a common treatment for PWS, and pulsed-dye laser is the current treatment of choice. Aim. To compare the clinical results on untreated PWS of two dye lasers with different wavelengths and pulse duration: a flashlamp-pumped dye laser (FPDL) and a long-pulse-duration dye laser (LPDL). Methods. In total, 24 patients were treated on 4-6 test areas with both laser types using high-energy and low-energy fluences. An FPDL with 0.45 ms pulse duration tuned to 585 nm was compared with an LPDL with 1.5 or 3.0 ms pulse duration tuned to 595 nm. Twelve weeks later the degree of lightening was evaluated by a blinded assessor. Pain was assessed directly after treatment with both lasers, using a visual analogue scale. Result. There was no significant difference overall between the two systems in lightening of the lesion or in patient-reported pain. Conclusion. Both laser systems are equivalent in terms of efficacy and pain.