Keywords : Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Giant Nevus, Cryosurgery, Cryocarboxy, Hyperpigmentation

Background: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) of the face cause substantial psychological and cosmetic problems in affected patients. The treatment of giant congenital nevi has been a longstanding challenge, but currently, various treatment options, such as cryotherapy, chemical peeling, electrical cautery, laser therapy, and surgery, have been tried for the treatment of CMN. In this article, we present our experience and the outcomes of the use of controlled CO2 gas as a cryogen in the treatment of CMN.

Methods: This study included 28 patients with varying sizes of CMN seen from January 2014 to December 2017. Cryocarboxy surgery was performed in all cases. Results: The average evaluation score of our patients was excellent in 22 (78.6%) cases, good in 4 (14.3%) cases, satisfactory in two (7.1%) cases, and we had no poor results.

Conclusions: Cryocarboxy surgery is a good addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of CMN. CO2 is a cheap, non-explosive, and readily available gas.