Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) an alternative treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

ABSTRACT

The technique of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) as an alternative to destructive/ablative method of treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) such as cryotherapy, laser vaporization and cone biopsy of uterine cerix is assessed. Forty-five patients underwent this procedure for either diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. It was well-tolerated, and minor bleeding occurred in 4.4 per cent of patients. The quality of the histological specimen was excellent in all cases, only two showing evidence of charring artefacts. In 11 patients (24.4 per cent), a more serious lesion was detected than that found at punch biopsy of the cervix. This method offers a cheaper and more effective alternative to laser vaporization and combines the benefits of the gold standard cone biopsy of the cervix with that of local ablative techniques. (AU)