Treatment of large lower genital tract condylomata acuminata with local excision plus topical acetic acid. A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate recurrence after excision plus a brief topical application of 99% acetic acid for anovulvar condylomata acuminata. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty women having extensive involvement of the lower genital tract with condylomata acuminata were selected for treatment. In all cases treatment was done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. On finalizing the excision, topical 99% acetic acid was briefly applied for (3 seconds) to the surgically treated surface, 0.2 mL for each 10 cm2 of anovulvar surface, with a sterile cotton applicator; immediately afterward, the anovulvar surface was washed with sterile water for 1 minute to neutralize the 99% acetic acid. The primary end point was to measure the rate of local recurrence after therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 30 patients (86.6%) had complete resolution of large genital tract condylomata acuminata with 1-3 local excisions plus brief topical application of 99% acetic acid. Four of 30 patients (13.3%) experienced local recurrence after therapy. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, local excision plus a brief topical application of 99% acetic acid with rapid neutralization with sterile water under local anesthesia was well tolerated, without serious local complications and with an acceptable rate of recurrence (13.3%).