Loop diathermy cone biopsy.

A technique for cone biopsy using loop diathermy is presented. The diathermy loop consists of an insulated shaft attached to an insulated transverse or U-shaped arm, to which the loop wire is attached. The diathermy power is supplied by an electrosurgical unit. Among the first 50 cases, the mean age was 41.6 years; 72% of the cases were reported as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III and 6% as microinvasive carcinoma. The mean length of the cone was 20.2 mm and the mean weight 3.9 g. Only 10% of the cones were reported as incompletely excised. No major complications were observed, and minor complications were reported in four patients (8%). We found this technique to be quick, simple, and economical. It provides a good histologic specimen with a low incidence of short-term morbidity.