Anal Wart Surgery

(Surgery, Anal Wart; Condyloma Acuminata Surgery; Surgery, Condyloma Acuminata)

Pronounced: A-nahl wart SUHR-jah-ree

Definition

Definition

Anal warts are found around and inside the anus. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Anal wart surgery is a procedure to remove or destroy anal warts.

The Anus

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Reasons for Procedure

Reasons for Procedure

The surgery is done to remove or destroy anal warts if other treatments, like applying medications, are unsuccessful or not advised. Surgery may also be ideal if there are many warts or if the warts are large. If warts are not removed, they can become bigger and multiply. Warts may also lead to an increased risk of cancer in the affected area.

Possible Complications

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have anal wart surgery, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Burns

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before surgery.

What to Expect

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may recommend that you clean out your bowels before surgery. To do this:

  • Eat a light lunch and a clear, liquid dinner the day before surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink after midnight before your surgery.
  • Take any medications your doctor suggests at the appropriate time.

Also:

  • Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.
  • Arrange for someone to help you around the house after surgery.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia will block any pain. Depending on the location and number of warts, you may either have:

  • Local anesthesia—numbs the area where the surgery is being done
  • Spinal anesthesia —numbing medication is injected into your back and makes the lower half of your body numb
  • General anesthesia —keeps you asleep and pain-free for the procedure

Description of the Procedure

There are different types of surgeries used to remove or destroy anal warts. The type of surgery you will have will depend on different factors, like the number and size of warts. Below is a list of possible procedures:

  • Cryotherapy —The wart is destroyed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.
  • Scissor or shave excision —The wart is either cut or shaved off.
  • Laser or electrosurgery—A tool uses either a laser or electricity to destroy the warts.

How Long Will It Take?

This depends on the type of procedure that will be used. It may take several minutes for most procedures.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will block any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, you may feel some pain in and around the anus. Your doctor will give you pain medication to make you more comfortable.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is commonly done in an outpatient setting, so you will not need to stay in the hospital. You will be able to go home the day of the surgery.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

Following the procedure, the staff may provide you with pain medication to make you more comfortable.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Eat foods that are high in fiber and drink plenty of fluids. This will prevent straining and constipation.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Bleeding in the rectal area that cannot be stopped when applying pressure
  • Signs of infections such as fever and chills
  • Bad-smelling drainage from the anal area or area where you have stitches
  • Stitches break open
  • Increased swelling in rectal area
  • Pain that is not controlled by the medication you were given
  • You are not having bowel movements regularly

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Sex Information and Education Council of Canada http://www.sieccan.org

References:

Anal warts. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at:
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/anal_warts/
Updated October 2012. Accessed December 16, 2014.

Genital warts. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/genital-warts.html
Updated April 2014. Accessed December 16, 2014.

Hainer B, Usatine RB. Electrosurgery for the skin. Am Fam Physician. 2002 Oct 1;66(7):1259-1267. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1001/p1259.html
Accessed December 16, 2014.

Removal of anal warts. University of Wisconsin Health website. Available at:
http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION-FlexMember-Show_Public_HFFY_1122504659385.html
Accessed December 16, 2014.

Workowski KA, Berman S; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010 Dec 17;59(RR-12):1-110. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5912a1.htm
Accessed December 16, 2014.

Last reviewed December 2014 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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