Surgical Removal of Genital Warts by Excision

Visible Reference genital warts Opens New Window 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 doctor's office or clinic or an outpatient surgery center. You receive medicine that numbs the area around the warts (Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window). Stitches (sutures) usually close the incisions.

For women, abnormal cervical cell changes caused by HPV will be treated differently than genital warts caused by HPV. Your doctor may recommend certain types of surgery, such as surgical excision. For more information about surgical methods to treat abnormal cell changes, see the topic Reference Abnormal Pap Test.

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