Condyloma Removal
(Anal Wart Surgery; Genital Wart Surgery)
Definition
Condyloma removal is the process to remove or destroy genital warts.
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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:
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.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115113/Condyloma-acuminatum. 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