A Novel Modification of the Autoimplantation Therapy for the Treatment of Multiple, Recurrent and Palmoplantar Warts

BACKGROUND: Ideal treatment for warts should be effective, safe, have less morbidity and provide long-lasting immunity against human papilloma virus. This can optimally achieved by the stimulation of the immune system against the virus. The autoimplantation of warts, autowart injection and quadrivalent vaccines have been used for this purpose. Autoimplanatation is a simple technique where the subcutis deep wart tissue is harvested as a donor and implanted into the uninvolved skin. However, this led to two wounds, at donor and recipient sites. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel modification of autoimplantation therapy in the treatment of multiple, recurrent and palmoplantar warts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with multiple, recurrent and palmoplantar warts were enrolled. Instead of taking a bit of the wart tissue, the donor tissue was harvested by paring the wart. The pared tissue was implanted deep into the subcutis by stab incision done using the same surgical blade no. 11. The resolution of all warts within 3 months after the procedure was considered successful. Patients with complete clearance were followed up for 1 month for any recurrence. RESULTS: Out of 35 patients, 27 patients were available for follow-up. A total of 20 (74.1%) patients showed a complete clearance of warts within 3 months. Partial clearance was seen in 1 patient. Erythematous nodules developed at the site of implantation in 3 (11.1%) patients. There was relapse in one patient. CONCLUSION: A modified technique of autoimplantation of warts employing the pared stratum corneum tissue from the wart is a simple, effective, less traumatic and rapid procedure in the treatment of multiple, recurrent and palmoplantar warts.