title: Loop diathermy cone biopsy.
abstract: A technique for cone biopsy using loop diathermy is presented. The diathermy loop consists of an insulated shaft attached to an insulated transverse or U-shaped arm, to which the loop wire is attached. The diathermy power is supplied by an electrosurgical unit. Among the first 50 cases, the mean age was 41.6 years; 72% of the cases were reported as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III and 6% as microinvasive carcinoma. The mean length of the cone was 20.2 mm and the mean weight 3.9 g. Only 10% of the cones were reported as incompletely excised. No major complications were observed, and minor complications were reported in four patients (8%). We found this technique to be quick, simple, and economical. It provides a good histologic specimen with a low incidence of short-term morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Regional Department of Gynecological Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mor-Yosef
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Monaghan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged