Wart Removal Surgery
When all conservative treatment options have failed we can perform a wart curettage. The foot wart surgery or plantar wart surgery is performed in our clinic in a sterile environment without hospitalisation.
Warts only grow in the epidermis layer of skin. Therefore, the curettage procedure involves an incision into the epidermis to the level where it meets the dermis. It is cut out with an instrument called a curette which scoops underneath the wart to capture all remains of the wart tissue.
This wart removal procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic usually a tibial nerve block to numb the sole of the foot. Another injection of local anaesthetic combined with adrenaline is injected surrounding the wart which helps reduce bleeding and improve post-surgical analgesia. Once the wart is curetted, phenol is applied to burn any remaining wart and to cauterise blood vessels to stop bleeding. A thick compression bandage is applied to the skin and a post-operative shoe is supplied. No stitches are required.
After the procedure you will be able to walk immediately,although you will be advised and expected to rest for 72 hours following the procedure to reduce the incidence and risk of bleeding.
A review is required 3 days after surgery. Healing takes up to 4-6 weeks.
Common Adverse Effects of Wart Removal Surgery
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scar tissue
- Recurrence of verruca
After Care
- We recommend having a responsible adult drive you home after the injection
- A sterile dressing will be applied to the wound. It will be required to be changed by the podiatrist in 3 days following the surgery.
- Time off work will be required for 72 hours. A surgical shoe must be worn for 72 hours.
- Reduce weightbearing and rest 72 hours. Avoid strenuous activity during this time frame. Keep walking to a minimum.
- Pain medication such as panadeine forte can be prescribed.
- Dressings will be supplied. The wound will be required to be dressing for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Healing usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery and during this time restricted activities, including time off work may be required depending on the location of the verruca.
