Recurrence post surgery

[Bell775]

Hi Doctor.  First of all I would like to say that you provide a great service and I have learned a lot from previous questions others have posted here.

I was diagnosed with genital warts in July 2005, was treated and have not had symptoms since October 2005.  I consider myself "clear" of HPV now but I did have one question regarding recurrence.  In a few weeks I am having surgery to have a congenital heart condition corrected, it will be keyhole surgery through my groin up into my heart to have the correction made.  I was wondering if this kind of surgery may put my body under enough stress to reactivate my HPV infection and cause another breakout?

Many thanks in advance for your response.

[Bell775]

Thank you very much :)

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm please to hear that your responded well to your wart therapy in 2005.  At this time, after two years, the chances of you having recurrence is low.  There is no data to suggest that the stress of your upcoming surgery will reactivate your prior infection.
Good luck with your forthcoming surgery.  EWH