Laser vs. electric scalpel: which removes genital warts better?
NCT ID NCT02520986
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two surgical methods—carbon dioxide laser ablation and electrocoagulation—for removing genital warts in women. The main goal is to see which technique gives a better cosmetic result six weeks after treatment. Researchers also track operation time, complications, pain, and how often warts come back.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- carbon dioxide laser ablation or electrocoagulation
- What this could lead to
- If one method proves superior, it could become the preferred surgical option for genital warts, offering better cosmetic outcomes and lower recurrence.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-center trial with 114 women, so results may not apply to all patients. Both procedures carry risks of pain, scarring, and recurrence.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
140 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Oct 2016
- Finished
-
Jan 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * informed consent * women with anogenital affection of condyloma acuminata Exclusion Criteria: * significant language barrier * pregnancy * unwillingness to participate * the use of blood thinner or known coagulation disorder * the use of immunosuppressive medicament * HIV-Infection * malignant diseases * local therapy within 8 weeks before Treatment * wound healing disorder
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Condylomata acuminata are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ruhr University Bochum
Herne, North Rhine-Westphalia, 44625, Germany
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.