title: 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 methods of treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) such as cryotherapy, laser vaporization and cone biopsy of uterine cervix 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% 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%), 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, U.W.I., Jamaica.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rattray
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: DaCosta
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chatoor
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mullings
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Wynter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*