Performance of a colposcopic examination, a loop electrosurgical procedure, and cryotherapy of the cervix

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2013 Dec;40(4):731-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2013.08.008.

Abstract

Colposcopy is the accepted diagnostic test for evaluation of an abnormal Pap test to determine the location and extent of cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN). Loop electrocautery excision procedure (LEEP) is the preferred procedure for advanced diagnosis and treatment of CIN following colposcopy. Although LEEP is the preferred treatment of CIN, cryotherapy is an option for treatment in some settings due to it's ease of performance, minimal complications, and cost-effectiveness. This article focuses on the proper technique and use of these procedures to evaluate and treat cervical abnormalities.

Keywords: Cervical cryotherapy; Colposcopy; Loop electrosurgical.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cervix Uteri / pathology*
  • Colposcopy* / methods
  • Cryosurgery / methods*
  • Electrosurgery / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Papanicolaou Test / methods*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / pathology*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / surgery