Therapeutic efficacy and complications of excisional biopsy of condyloma acuminatum

Abstract

Background and objectives: Among the various treatment modalities for condyloma acuminatum, excisional cold-blade surgery appears excellent but it has been little studied and little used, particularly for lesions not located in the perianal area.

Goals: To examine the efficacy and complications of scissors excision of single anogenital warts.

Study design: Retrospective analysis of single warts completely excised with scissors for the purpose of biopsy before patient entry in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of various parenteral interferons in combination with cryotherapy.

Results: Of 152 patients entered in the main study, 85 patients were available for analysis. At 4 and 16 weeks after excision, 16 of 85 (19%) and 14 of 68 (21%) of the excised lesions recurred. After at 6 least months of follow-up, 2 of 11 (18%) of the excision sites demonstrated some evidence of pigmentation changes.

Conclusions: Scissors excision of single anogenital warts has a high rate of success and acceptable long-term side-effects.