Electrocautery for genital warts
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Surgery Overview
Electrocautery removes genital warts on the penis, vulva, or around the anus by burning them with a low-voltage electrified probe.
Electrocautery is usually done in a health professional's office or clinic. The injection of a numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is usually used for pain control. Medicine that causes unconsciousness (general anesthetic) may be used depending on the number of warts to be removed or destroyed.
What To Expect After Surgery
The recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed.
- After surgery you may have some pain, swelling, and redness.
- Healing usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Healing time may be prolonged if a large area of tissue is burned.
- Scarring may occur.
Why It Is Done
Electrocautery removes warts with little blood loss. It usually is used for small areas of warts.
How Well It Works
In one study, electrocautery was about 82% effective in removing warts and stopping them from coming back 6 months after treatment. Warts are less likely to return after electrocautery than after medicine treatment.1
The removal of genital warts may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in the body in an inactive state after warts are removed.
Risks
Risks of electrocautery are:
- Bleeding. Blood loss is usually minimal because the electrocautery seals blood vessels as it removes warts.
- Infection. Antibiotics may be given at the time of the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
- Pain. Medicine may be needed for several days after the electrocautery procedure.
What To Think About
Electrocautery for external genital warts can be safely used during pregnancy.
Treating genital warts may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in the body in an inactive state after warts are removed. A person treated for genital warts may still be able to spread the infection. Condoms may help reduce the risk of HPV infection.
The benefits and effectiveness of each type of treatment need to be compared with the side effects and cost. Discuss this with your health professional.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
References
Citations
Buck HW Jr (2007). Warts (genital), search date February 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| Author | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | July 2, 2008 |
| Last updated: | July 02, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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