One-step management of cervical lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To test the value of diagnosing and treating cervical lesions at the first colposcopic visit using large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) based on abnormal colposcopic findings as compared with punch biopsies followed by subsequent therapy accordingly.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among 1255 patients with a clinically suspicious cervix, 119 patients with abnormal and satisfactory colposcopy were divided into two groups. In group A (53 patients) multiple cervical punch biopsies were taken. In group B (66 patients), LLETZ under local paracervical anesthesia was done.

RESULTS

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was diagnosed in 25 and 29 cases, condyloma acuminatum in seven and six cases, granulomatous cervicitis including tuberculous and bilharzial cervicitis was diagnosed in two and four cases in groups A and B, respectively. Endocervical adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in two cases in group B whereas microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in one case in each group. Histopathologic assessment of the specimens obtained in group B revealed minimal coagulation artifact, adequate biopsies and free margins in all but three cases (4.5%) who needed further treatment by hysterectomy. In group B, only one case was complicated by a second hemorrhage and the overtreatment rate was 30.3%. On follow-up visits 20 patients (38%) and 59 patients (89%) were satisfied with the procedure in both groups, respectively. Further treatment was required in 29 cases in group A (55%) after initial assessment of punch biopsies and in three cases in group B (4.5%). Persistent abnormal colposcopic findings at follow-up visits 3 months after diathermy coagulation were seen in five patients (9.4%) in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

LLETZ at the first colposcopic visit is a practical and fast method of treating most cervical lesions with limited complications and has the advantage of eliminating a second session of treatment. These advantages, particularly in developing countries, may outweigh the high overtreatment rate of this procedure. Many cervical lesions can be properly treated using large loop excision of the transformation zone at the first colposcopic visit. This may help save time and resources, especially in developing countries.