Condyloma Removal

(Anal Wart Surgery; Genital Wart Surgery)

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

Definition

Condyloma removal is the process to remove or destroy genital warts.

Reasons for Procedure

Some genital warts (conylomas) can cause pain or distress because of appearance. Some may also have a number of warts or large warts. The procedure can remove the warts but does not cure the infection. The warts are likely to come back.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will go over some problems such as:

Bleeding
Infection
Burns
Scarring

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Leading up to the procedure:

A physical exam and tests will be done.
Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week in advance.
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to clean out your bowels.
Eat a light lunch and a clear, liquid dinner the day before surgery.
Do not eat or drink after midnight before your surgery.
Arrange for a ride home after the procedure.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia will block any pain. The choice of anesthesia will depend on how much area is affected. Your doctor will talk to you about options such as:

Local—numbs just the area
Spinal—numbs the lower half of your body
General—you will be asleep during the procedure

Description of the Procedure

There are different ways to remove the wart. The choice will depend on how many warts will be removed and where they are. Common methods are:

Cryotherapy—The wart is frozen off with a special chemical.
Shave excision—The wart is either cut or shaved off.
Laser or electrosurgery—A tool uses a laser or electricity to destroy the warts.
Excision—The warts are cut from the skin. Stitches are used to close the skin.

How Long Will It Take?

Most will take about 15 to 30 minutes.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will keep you pain-free during the procedure. You will be sore after the procedure. Medicine and self-care will help to manage discomfort.

Post-procedure Care

At Home

It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the area to fully heal.

Call Your Doctor

Contact the doctor if your recovery is not going as you expect or you have problems such as:

Bleeding that cannot be stopped
Signs of infection such as fever or chills
Swelling or drainage from the area
Stitches break open
Pain that is not helped by medicine

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

Planned Parenthood
https://www.plannedparenthood.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Sex & U—The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
https://www.sexandu.ca

References:

Anal warts and anal dysplasia expanded information. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/anal-warts-and-anal-dysplasia-expanded-information. Accessed May 20, 2019.

Condyloma acuminatum. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dyname.... Updated February 29, 2018. Accessed May 20, 2019.

Genital warts. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/genital-warts. Updated September 27, 2018. Accessed May 20, 2019.

Surgery for human papillomavirus. NYU Langone Health website. https://nyulangone.org/conditions/human-papillomavirus-in-adults/treatments/surgery-for-human-papillomavirus. Accessed May 20, 2019.

Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 5/20/2019

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