Electrocautery for genital warts

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.

• 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 more than 90% effective in removing warts. Warts are less likely to return after electrocautery than after medicine treatment. Warts recurred in about 22% of people.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.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: November 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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