DERMABRASION OF CONGENITAL NEVOCELLULAR NEVI - EXPERIENCE IN 215 PATIENTS

Background: The indication for surgical treatment of congenital nevoce llular nevi results from aesthetic-cosmetic consideration as well as f rom the increased risk of melanomatous transformation. Objective: We e valuated the outcome after dermabrasion of congenital nevi of differen t sizes and treated at different ages. Methods: 215 patients treated b y dermabrasion during the years 1979-1995 were examined at a median in terval of 24 months postoperatively. Results: No postoperative develop ment of malignant melanoma arising from the congenital nevus was seen in any of the patients during the time of followup. No serious long-te rm complications were seen. Hypertrophic scars were seen within parts of the operation held in 14.6%, but in those the cosmetic result was s till satisfactory. Permanent reduction of pigmentation to 0-20% as com pared with the preoperative status was achieved if treatment was perfo rmed within the newborn period. In case of large and giant nevi, perma nent removal of pigmentation was better than in small or medium-sized nevi. Conclusion: Dermabrasion proved to be an adequate modality for r emoval of pigmentation in the therapy of large and giant congenital ne vocellular nevi when assessed within 2 years following the procedure. Early treatment is crucial for permanent removal of pigmentation. Long -term effects remain to be adequately monitored.