Intraoperative high-resolution anoscopy: a minimally invasive approach in the treatment of patients with Bowen's disease and results in a private practice setting

Am Surg. 2007 Dec;73(12):1279-83.

Abstract

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia III (AIN III) is a risk factor for anal cancer with poor curative results and high morbidity. High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) is a minimally invasive means of identifying and treating AIN III early. We retrospectively reviewed HRA in the treatment of AIN III in a community setting. From January 2002 through November 2005, 76 patients with AIN III diagnosed by anal Pap smear, colposcopy, or biopsy underwent HRA for diagnosis and treatment. Twenty-one patients with AIN III on initial HRA underwent follow-up HRA for reassessment and treatment at 6 months. Recurrence/persistence of disease was recorded and compared with patient characteristics. Of 21 patients with repeat HRA, four were HIV-negative and 17 were HIV-positive. Twelve of 21 (57%) had intraanal recurrence/persistence; nine of 21 (43%) had no AIN III. Eleven (92%) with recurrence were HIV-positive; one (8%) was HIV-negative. Three (75%) HIV-negative patients had no recurrence/persistence; one of four (25%) had recurrence; and 11 of 17 (65%) HIV-positive patients had persistence of disease. HRA is an alternative tool to treat AIN III and can be performed in a community setting yielding results comparable to the university setting. As the prevalence of AIN III increases, it will be more important for community surgeons to treat AIN III with HRA.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anal Canal
  • Bowen's Disease / pathology*
  • Bowen's Disease / surgery*
  • Community Health Services
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Private Practice
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome