Cryotherapy is a treatment method that induces cold damage to cutaneous warts. Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is an effective and established treatment, though the optimum method for delivery remains uncertain. Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen can be applied as a spray, by using a cotton bud, or melamine foam sponge. The freezing with liquid nitrogen destroys tissue, interrupting the vascular supply and stimulates the immune system, eventually leading to the resolution of the cutaneous warts. In view of the different liquid nitrogen cryotherapy systems, this report aims to review the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and guidelines of these treatments for cutaneous warts.

Contents

• CONTEXT AND POLICY ISSUES
• RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• KEY FINDINGS
• METHODS
  • Literature Search Strategy
  • Selection Criteria and Methods
  • Exclusion Criteria
  • Critical Appraisal of Individual Studies
• SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
  • Quantity of Research Available
  • Summary of Study Characteristics
  • Summary of Critical Appraisal
  • Summary of Findings
  • Limitations
• CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION OR POLICY MAKING
• REFERENCES
• APPENDIX 1 Selection of Included Studies
• Appendix 2 Summary of Included Study Characteristics
• Appendix 3 Summary of Critical Appraisal of Included Study and Guidelines
• Appendix 4 Main Study Findings and Summary of Recommendations from Clinical Practice Guidelines

Disclaimer: The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care in Canada. Rapid responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. Rapid responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations. The information included in this response is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation for or against the use of a particular health technology. Readers are also cautioned that a lack of good quality evidence does not necessarily mean a lack of effectiveness particularly in the case of new and emerging health technologies, for which little information can be found, but which may in future prove to be effective. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up to date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not liable for any loss or damages resulting from use of the information in the report.