Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Local Hyperthermia for Warts Treatment
Published on: November 8, 2024
[Controlled layered removal of anogenital warts by argon-plasma coagulation]
Gerhard H Weyandt1, Sandrine Benoit, Jürgen C Becker
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Haut-und Geschlechtskrankheiten der Universität Wurzburg. Weyandt_G@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Background:
According to guidelines of the German STD Association, appropriate treatment of extensive anogenital warts with comparable recurrence rates includes cryotherapy, surgical excision, electrosurgery, CO2- and Nd:YAG-laser vaporisation. All these procedures are associated with varying degrees of risk for bleeding, release of potentially infectious aerosol, deep thermal destruction, slow wound healing, and scarring.
Methods:
Using argon-plasma coagulation anogenital warts can be removed in layers in a controlled manner. High frequency current flows through the argon plasma to the tissue, allowing well-controlled, superficial tissue destruction.
Results:
From January 2001 to March 2003, 54 patients with extensive genital, anal or anogenital warts were treated. After one treatment, 66% of the pa- tients remained disease-free in the following 4 months. Thirteen patients (24%) showed early recurrence after 4 weeks, five patients (9%) at a later date. In these patients, further treatment, in 9 cases combined with topical imiquimod cream, were necessary for complete remission.
Conclusion:
Compared to other therapeutic procedures, argon-plasma coagulation is a better controlled, quick and low-risk option for the treatment of anogenital warts. Depending on the type of involvement and individual risk factors, postoperative treatment with topical imiquimod cream may be useful.
