Plantar Wart surgery by excision and Destruction of lesion

You have chosen to have plantar wart surgery by Dr. Nicholas Campitelli. If the procedure was performed in the office or operating room setting without the use of sutures the following instructions will pertain to you. If you had surgical excision with suture closure, do not follow the instructions listed below.

If you’re warts we’re treated in the office or hospital and your foot has a gauze bandage, it is to be left in place for 24-48 hours. The amount of time will depend on how much bleeding you are having and how much pain you are in. If you have no issues 24 hours later, leave the bandages on for 48 hours. If you are experiencing pain and bleeding, it may benefit you to remove the bandages and begin soaking in 24 hours.

Soaking Instructions

Soaking is typically performed in warm water with any of the following:

• Capful of epsom salts (not a cup!)
• Antibacterial soap
• Betadine solution 1-2 tablespoons

What works the best? They all work well. I would use whatever is available in your house. If you have to make a trip to purchase something, I prefer betadine solution.
You should soak your foot 20-30 minutes twice a day to keep the wounds clean. This should be performed for 2-4 weeks after surgery. When the wound(s) are healed, soaking is no longer necessary.

On your first post operative dressing change, I advise soaking first before removing the bandages. This will help to loosen and bandages they may be adhered to the wounds minimizing pain.

Wounds

The wounds will initially appear as a red bleeding wound that is sensitive to touch, as well as any of the solutions you are soaking your foot with. It is normal for the wounds to burn and be painful. As time progresses (1-2 weeks) the edges of the wounds will begin to shrink and the center will fill in. Remember, this is a slow process and will take 2-4 weeks to heal.

Treatment Post Operatively

You may have been prescribed an antibacterial ointment or cream to use on the wound(s). If not, using Neosporin, triple antibiotic ointment, or any first aid cream will work well as the wound(s) are healing. A band aid, or gauze bandages, should be used and changed twice a day. The wound(s) should be kept moist. It is a myth that the wound needs to be open to air to heal.

Infection

While it is very rare for infection to occur after a wart excision, it can happen. Signs of infection can include any of the following:

• Redness extending in a large area around the wound(s)
• Pain that is not resolving 5-7 days after surgery
• Thick yellowish drainage that is not clear from the wound(s).
• Fever, chills, or flu like symptoms

If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, please call the office and have Dr. Campitelli page at 330-926-3231.