Cold knife conization vs. LEEP. Are they the same procedure?
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively evaluate the amount of tissue removed at loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) vs. cold knife conization.


METHODS
Forty consecutive LEEP or cold knife conization specimens were prospectively measured and weighed by a single pathology technician. Diameter, length and weight of the specimens were compared using Student's t test.


RESULTS
Mean diameter of cold knife cone specimens was 2.6 vs. 2.2 cm for LEEP (P = .07). Mean length of cold knife cone specimens was 1.5 vs. 1.0 cm for LEEP (P = .001). Mean weight for cold knife cone specimens was 4.4 vs. 2.0 g for LEEP (P = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
In a prospective evaluation, cold knife cone specimens were 50% longer and 100% heavier than LEEP specimens.
Fanning
James
J
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Richard D. Ruppert Health Center, Toledo, OH 43614-5809, USA.
Padratzik
Jay
J
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D019092:Conization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*