Surgical removal of genital warts by excision

Surgery Overview

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Visible genital warts on the penis or vagina or around the anus are removed by excision, which means cutting the warts off with a surgical knife (scalpel). Warts on the cervix may be removed by laser or loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP).

The procedure is usually done in a health professional's office or clinic or an outpatient surgery center. You receive medicine that numbs the area around the warts (local anesthetic). Stitches (sutures) usually close the incisions.

What To Expect After Surgery

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Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed.

• Most people will be able to return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days.
• Healing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
• Scarring may occur.

For men and women who have had genital warts removed, call your health professional for any of the following:

• Bleeding that lasts longer than 1 week
• A fever
• Severe pain
• Bad-smelling or yellowish discharge, which may indicate an infection

Avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area heals and soreness is gone (usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the area treated).

Why It Is Done

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Surgery is used to remove warts that return after other treatments. It also may be used when warts are widespread. A single treatment may be all that is needed.

How Well It Works

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Surgery may be an effective treatment. But warts may recur after surgery. ¹

Risks

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Risks of surgery are:

• Bleeding.
• Infection. You may receive antibiotics at the time of the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
• Pain. You may need medicine for several days after the procedure.

What To Think About

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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

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Citations

1. Wiley DJ, et al. (2002). External genital warts: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 35(Suppl 2): S210–S224.

Credits

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Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	August 17, 2006