title: Efficacy and safety of large-loop excision of the transformation zone.
abstract: Large-loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) has become a popular treatment for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) before long-term effectiveness and safety have been fully evaluated. Women who took part in a 1990 study of the procedure have been followed-up by cervical cytology for longer than 2 years. The rate of recurrences and residual lesions was 5.0% in the first year and 0.6% in the second year. LLETZ was also effective when used as a repeat procedure, although the negative histology rate was much higher (4.7% for initial procedures and 20% for repeat procedures). 250 women from the original study group of 1000 answered a questionnaire on fertility and menstrual symptoms 3 years after LLETZ. We found no differences between these women and controls of the same age, living in the same geographical area, with a history of negative cervical smears. LLETZ is a safe and effective procedure with no effect on menstruation or fertility.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bigrigg
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Haffenden
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Codling
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Read
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D012008:Recurrence; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000601:surgery*