Cryosurgery is a less common procedure used to remove pearly penile papules (PPP). Cryosurgery is not as effective as thermal ablative methods and uses liquid nitrogen cryoablation to remove the penile papules.
How PPP Cryosurgery Works
Cryosurgery works by using an open spray method from a liquid nitrogen spray gun to freeze the pearly penile papules. The treatment uses 15-20 second freeze-thaw cycles that cause the pearly penile papules to be destroyed by the temperature decrease in the cells. Ice formation within the cell starts at around -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit) that bursts, shrinks, and/or prevents needed circulation from getting to the pearly penile papules’ tissue cells causing cryoablation to the cells.
How Long Cryosurgery Takes
Pearly penile papules cryosurgery removal typically takes no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
How Long Healing Takes
Pearly penile papules cryosurgery recovery and healing process typically take 1 to 3 weeks.
Contraindications
Contraindications for pearly penile papule cryosurgery removal include keloids, hypertrophic scarring, and uncontrolled diabetes.
Outcomes
The outcomes for pearly penile papules cryosurgery removal have varying levels of cosmetic results. The removal rate is typically between 80 to 90 percent of the pearly penile papules after multiple treatments but also can be less effective. Cryosurgery is also not as accurate as thermal ablative methods and could result in unnecessary healthy tissue damage.
Costs
The cost of pearly penile papules cryosurgery is explained in the cost of PPP surgeries post.