Outpatient loop electrosurgical excision procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Can it replace cold knife conization?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) can replace cold knife conization.

STUDY DESIGN

In a population at high risk for invasive carcinoma, 163 cases of LEEP conization were performed with the same indications as cold knife for cervical conization.

RESULTS

Seventy-five percent of LEEP surgical specimens were positive for dysplasia. Six cases showed invasive squamous cell carcinoma. No complications were seen.

CONCLUSION

LEEP conization is a quick, simple and economical procedure that can safely replace most cases of cold knife conization.