The use and maintenance of instruments for large loop excision of transformation zone at Ramathibodi Hospital.

The average use of LLETZ in Ramathibodi Hospital from 1993 to 1998 was 73.3 cases per year (range 26-116 cases). The endocervical box (F2) loop electrode was the most frequently damaged at the rate of 4 pieces per 100 procedures. The damage rate of the 25 mm loop electrode was 3 pieces per 100 procedures and 20 mm loop electrode was 2 pieces per 100 procedures. The life of the instrument can be prolonged through proper care and continuous maintenance as well as by experienced operators and the assisting team.