Electrocoagulation of papillomas
The content of the article:
- Physical methods for removing warts
- The device and principle of operation of the electrocoagulator
-
How is the procedure
Pain relief methods
- Recovery period
- Advantages and disadvantages of electrocoagulation
- Contraindications
- Consequences and possible complications
- What is the most effective treatment for papillomas
-
What are papillomas
Why are neoplasms on the skin dangerous?
- Video
Electrocoagulation of papillomas is a method that has been widely used for several decades to remove skin neoplasms using an electric current. The service is provided in many public and private clinics. The main advantages of this method of destruction, according to doctors and patients, are high efficiency and safety, as well as affordable cost.
Electrocoagulation is an effective and affordable method for removing skin lesions
Physical methods for removing warts
There are several basic physical methods for the destruction of warts:
| Method | Description |
| Electrocoagulation | Neoplasms are removed layer by layer under the influence of electric current. A crust forms at the site of the removed wart, which disappears over time. |
| Cryodestruction | Pathological formations are frozen, for this, liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide is used. The exposure time is from 1 to 5 minutes. If necessary, repeated cryotherapy is performed in 7-10 days. |
| Laser destruction | A feature of this method is the layer-by-layer destruction of the wart under the influence of the light guide by the contact method. Depending on the size of the build-up, the exposure time varies from 2–5 seconds to 2–3 minutes. |
| Radiosurgical destruction | The method is based on the generation of an electromagnetic wave of different frequencies, which leads to a slight heating up at the point where the working electrode touches. Tissue dissection or rupture occurs without coagulation or mechanical force. |
Any of these methods allows you to get rid of only the external manifestations of pathology, but does not cure HPV.
The device and principle of operation of the electrocoagulator
For electrocoagulation, special medical equipment is used - an electrocoagulator that produces a high-frequency current.
The main part of the structure is the body on which the switches are located, allowing to regulate the operation of the coalescer. The electrode is connected by a wire attached to the body. The working part of the device is precisely the electrode. It can be of different shapes to provide different functions.
In most cases, a tweezers or needle-shaped electrode is used. A high-frequency current when the electrode contacts the tissue causes strong heating, as a result of which the tissue in the affected area is cauterized.
The electrocoagulator has a disinfecting effect and can destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to removing papillomas, this device is used in the following areas of medicine:
- dermatology;
- general, vascular and endoscopic surgery;
- neurosurgery;
- gynecology;
- otolaryngology;
- cardiac and thoracic surgery;
- orthopedics and traumatology;
- urology;
- Maxillofacial Surgery.
How is the procedure
Special preparation for the destruction of warts is not required; the operation is usually performed on the day of visiting a doctor. Several medium-sized papillomas can be removed at once with an electric knife. With a large number of neoplasms, several electrocoagulations may be required (daily or every other day).
The coalescer electrode heats up to approx. 80 ° C. This temperature is sufficient to remove pathological tissues. The destruction of the build-up occurs when the tip of the electrode touches the surface of the formation. The choice of tip is determined by the doctor.
The procedure usually takes from a few seconds to 1-2 minutes. A dark crust remains at the site of the destruction of the growth, the skin surrounding it is treated with an antiseptic solution. At the end of the procedure, the patient can immediately go home.
Pain relief methods
For small single papillomas, pain relief is not required. The pain that occurs within a few seconds is usually easily tolerated by patients, and the use of anesthesia is considered unjustified.
If it is necessary to remove several lesions or if they are large, local anesthesia is performed using a 2% solution of lidocaine or epinephrine hydrochloride / articaine hydrochloride.
Recovery period
Within a few days, the wound area must be treated with an antiseptic solution - any alcohol lotion, potassium permanganate solution or Chlorhexidine. It is strongly not recommended to tear off the crusts ahead of time, as this can lead to infection, as well as the appearance of scars.
No special care is required after the procedure. During this period, the affected area may hurt and / or itch, which is considered a normal variant.
To reduce the risk of relapse, your doctor may prescribe a course of antiviral drugs.
Advantages and disadvantages of electrocoagulation
The advantages of electrocoagulation are:
- safety and bloodlessness of the procedure with minimal tissue damage;
- the ability to remove wart anywhere on the skin;
- speed of execution;
- the possibility of using removed tissues for histological examination;
- control of the depth of impact.
Also an important advantage is the affordable cost of the service.
Disadvantages include:
- the risk of pitting and indentation in the skin;
- long healing period (average 7-14 days).
Contraindications
Contraindications to the removal of warts using an electric current are (the list can be expanded by the attending physician):
- the presence of a pacemaker;
- suspicion of the presence of cancer;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- poor blood clotting;
- burdened history of allergic reactions to local anesthetics;
- intolerance to electric current;
- mental illness.
It is preferable to choose another method for treating plantar warts. This is associated with a high risk of scarring, which can cause significant discomfort on the foot.
Removal of papillomas with an electrocoagulator is not recommended in the summer. At high ambient temperatures, the healing process may slow down. There is also a possibility of scar formation at the site of the neoplasm (due to softening of the protective crust on the wound) and the appearance of pigmentation on the skin.
Consequences and possible complications
Most often, pinkish spots remain in place of the crusts, which eventually turn white and acquire the same shade as the surrounding skin. If the skin formation was located at a great depth, the areas of depigmented skin may remain whitish.
The reason for going to the doctor is the appearance of severe soreness and redness in the areas of the skin exposed to the current.
What is the most effective treatment for papillomas
The reason for the appearance of papillomas is a virus; removing skin growths alone is often not enough. Therefore, it is recommended not to self-medicate and, if papillomas appear, consult a doctor. He can prescribe immunomodulating and antiviral drugs, as well as advise on measures aimed at strengthening the immune system.
There is no unequivocal answer which of the methods of physical destruction of warts is the best - effective, painless, safe, affordable - no. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, the method of treatment should be chosen by the doctor individually, taking into account the presence of contraindications and the localization and area of the lesions.
In most cases, patients tolerate electrocoagulation well.
The effectiveness of destructive therapy is 50–80%. The likelihood of recurrence after tissue regeneration remains very high - up to 30%. This applies to both surgical and chemical methods of removing them. The highest risk is observed with plantar warts and neoplasms with periungual localization.
What are papillomas
Papillomas are benign neoplasms. They appear as solitary or multiple formations that rise above the surface of the skin, round or irregular in shape.
The surface of growths with a wide base is covered with easily detachable horny masses or villous (papilloma with hyperkeratosis, keratopapilloma). Another variant of neoplasms are grayish filamentous papillomas 2–4 mm long and 2 mm in diameter on a narrow base, which are usually localized on the skin of the trunk or face.
The cause of the disease is HPV (human papillomavirus). The diagnosis is established by a dermatologist based on clinical data and the results of histological examination.
Why are neoplasms on the skin dangerous?
When localized on the skin of open areas of the body, warts usually represent only a cosmetic defect.
However, if they are located on areas of skin that are prone to frequent trauma (for example, razor blades, jewelry or clothing), they can spread quickly. Another factor contributing to the increase in the number of elements is a decrease in general and local immunity.
A virus leads to the appearance of warts, so there is a risk of infection for others. Also, the danger is the likelihood of malignant degeneration of the growth. Formations that rapidly increase in size require special attention, begin to bleed and hurt.
Video
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Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
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