Because of a lack of necessary equipment, Dr. Irving Schonberg1 first used ethyl chloride in the removal of servicemen's verrucae.
For the past year we have adopted a modification of his method and extended its use to the removal of verrucae, keratoses, fibromas, nevi to which it was applicable, skin tags and other benign growths.
Ethyl chloride is sprayed on the affected surgical site until a frost appears. The site develops a boardlike hardness, and then quickly small sharp scissors are employed to remove the surface of the lesion. On completion of this procedure the site of the growth attains its normal texture. Then curettage is employed when indicated, and the base of the lesion is lightly touched with 50 per cent trichloroacetic acid. The entire procedure takes about 15 seconds and is especially adaptable for children.
Caution should be taken not to employ electrosurgical methods when ethyl chloride