Treatment with Hyfrecation and Cryotherapy

Electrocautery (Hyfrecation)

Lesions can be treated by the application of an electric needle to cauterize or burn the warts. Local anesthesia should be used. Many lesions can be treated in a clinic setting, but larger and more extensive lesions usually require treatment in an outpatient surgery setting. The cauterization destroys warts or lesions. Bleeding and discomfort following the procedure is common and can last for several days or weeks depending on the extent of treatment. However, warts and lesions are more completely treated in one application and generally do not require multiple treatments. Even so, warts may recur with electrocautery as with any treatment modality.

Indications

  • Internal or external warts, LSILHSIL
  • Office procedure is limited to the tolerance of the patient
  • Treats diseases less extensive than that requiring outpatient surgery

Cryotherapy

External warts can also be treated by freezing with liquid nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or carbon dioxide. Liquid nitrogen is applied by spraying or direct contact with a swab; nitrous oxide is connected to a closed cryo-system and applied with a probe to produce an iceball. The freezing causes necrosis of the wart. This may also cause mild irritation and may be uncomfortable during the process. Discomfort can be reduced by applying lidocaine spray or gel prior to freezing. Cryotherapy causes the wart to fall off within a few days and may leave a shallow ulceration, which generally heals without scarring. It may require several applications. These treatments can be 1-2 weeks apart. The lesion must be completely treated. If the warts have not been successfully treated by the fourth application, an alternative method should be sought.

Indications

  • External warts, LSIL or HSIL
  • Limited disease
  • Safe during pregnancy