When I was 7 I had a plantar wart under my big toe nail. I kept it a secret for over a month, then finally told my parents. We went to the doctor, and sat me down in a chair and gave me pain medication. He removed half my toenail and cut the wart out. I was awake the whole time and didn't feel a thing (except for the shot he gave me). For the next month I had to put a cream on it. My toenail grew back and I've never had a problem after that. Personally, I believe this seems like a cheaper and easier alternative.
I would consider getting the surgery done. It is probably the safest way to remove the wart. I would also recommend getting some padded socks to help him keep his toe as comfortable as possible until he gets the surgery.
I myself had many planter warst. I carried them for more than a year. In fact I had been in a military institution where planter warts were a problem with every 2nd out of 3. The treatment we used was, that we applied Sialic acid powder on the wart with the help of a bandage and kept it for four days. Avoid contact with water. Then after four days the planter becomes very soft and the skin becomes dead.Skilfully we removed the planter with the surgeon blade, the planter's gone. I do not recommend you such expansive surgery. Doctors will always tell you the method in which they can earn more. Tell your doctor that I want it that way.I am speaking of my experience. Try it. Here nobody ever had any laser treatment for such thing. In fact I am learning it from you that laser is also used for it. We never took it so serious. There are many ways ask your doctor. Pain is never involved in removing warts remember.