Treatment of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia with the CO₂ laser

Twenty-seven patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) were treated with the CO₂ laser. The treatment was successful in 24 (88.8%). CO₂ laser treatment offers the advantage of precision in both localization and depth of destruction of abnormal squamous epithelium. VaIN rarely is an isolated lesion and frequently is preceded by, or coexists with, other types of premalignant genital squamous neoplasia. Careful pretreatment evaluation and frequent follow-up examinations are the most important factors in ensuring a successful outcome for the patient with VaIN.