Diode laser hair removal around ileo-colo ostomys is safe, effective and beneficial: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Hair removal around an ileo-colo ostomy can cause a number of problems. We compared laser hair removal with mechanical shaving around the ostomy. METHOD Eleven patients were selected with hairy skin around the ostomy for therapy with an AlGaAs diode laser at 800 nm. Three to four treatments were given with an interval of 6 weeks. RESULTS Ten patients completed laser therapy. The average hair reduction was 60% based on visual inspection. Shaving frequency reduced from once a week to once every 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Laser hair removal likely becomes the preferred method in ostomy patients.