Colposcopy (cont.)
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Loop electrosurgical excision
procedure, also known as LEEP, uses a radio-frequency
current to remove abnormal areas. It has an advantage, therefore, over the
destructive techniques (CO2 laser and cryocautery) in that an intact tissue
sample for analysis can be obtained. LEEP also is popular because it is
inexpensive and simple. A chemical is applied afterwards to prevent bleeding.
Vaginal discharge and spotting commonly occur after this procedure. Sexual
intercourse and tampon use should be avoided for several weeks to allow better
healing.
Complications occur in about 1% to 2% of women undergoing LEEP, and include
cervical narrowing (stenosis) and bleeding. This procedure is used most commonly
for treating dysplasia, including severe dysplasia. LEEP also is used, although
infrequently, to treat carefully chosen cases of cervical cancer.
Cold knife cone biopsy (conization)
Cone biopsy was once the major procedure used to treat
cervical dysplasia,
but the other methods have now replaced it for this purpose. However, when a
physician cannot view the entire area that needs to be seen during colposcopy, a
cone biopsy continues to be recommended. It is also recommended if special
sampling is needed to obtain more information regarding certain types of more
advanced abnormalities. This technique allows the size and shape of the sampling
to be tailored.
Complications of this procedure include postoperative bleeding in 5% of women
and narrowing of the cervix. Cone biopsy has a slightly higher risk of cervical
complications than the other treatments. This procedure is occasionally used to
treat carefully chosen cases of cervical cancer.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.
This operation is used to
treat virtually all cases of invasive cervical cancer. Sometimes, a hysterectomy is done
to treat severe dysplasia. It is also used if dysplasia recurs after any of the
other treatment procedures.
Next: Colposcopy At A Glance »
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
- Hysterectomy - Learn about hysterectomy procedures and options available for women. There are many types of hysterectomy surgeries including a total, radical, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical, and oophorectomy. The type of hysterectomy procedure will depend upon the reason for the procedure.
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