Application of imiquimod by suppositories (anal tampons) efficiently prevents recurrences after ablation of anal canal condyloma

BACKGROUND: After surgical removal, anal canal condyloma (ACC) has a higher risk of recurrence compared with extragenital warts. OBJECTIVES: To reduce local recurrences of ACC using follow-up treatment with imiquimod-containing suppositories (anal tampons). METHODS: After ablation of ACC, 10 male patients received treatment with imiquimod suppositories three times weekly for 3-4 months. RESULTS: Treatment with imiquimod anal tampons was well tolerated. Early initial recurrences in some patients cleared after treatment with the imiquimod suppositories. Within a mean follow-up of 9 months no patient demonstrated recurrence of ACC. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that imiquimod anal tampons may represent a new therapeutic option to prevent recurrences of ACC following ablative surgery.