Pronounced: cervical cone-ih-zay-shun
Cervical conization is done to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. The cervix is located at the back of the vagina and is the entry way into the uterus (womb).
A cervical conization is used to diagnose and to treat cervical cancer or precancerous changes in the cervix. The procedure takes place after a woman has had abnormal Pap smears . Pap smears are screening tests to detect abnormal, pre-cancerous, and cancerous cells in the cervix.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a cervical conization, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure.
You will be given some type of anesthesia. These options include:
A speculum will be inserted into the vagina, similar to a Pap smear. It will hold your vagina open and allow instruments to pass easier. Your doctor will use a knife, laser, or heated loop to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. If there are abnormal cells, they will also be removed. Self-absorbable sutures may be placed in the cervix to control bleeding.
The tissue will be sent to a lab to test for cancer. The test results will be available within a week.
The procedure will take less than an hour.
Anesthesia will prevent pain during this procedure. After the procedure, you may have some discomfort. You can take pain relievers to help manage any discomfort.
You will rest in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. When you are awake and aware, you will be able to go home.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
A postoperative exam takes place at six weeks.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
http://www.nccc-online.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
http://www.sogc.org/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm
References:
Cold knife cone biopsy. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003910.htm . Accessed August 30, 2005.
Morris M, Mitchell MF, Silva EG, et al. Cervical conization as definitive therapy for early invasive squamous carcinoma of the cervix. Gynecol Oncol . Nov 1993;51(2):193-6.
Stenchever MA. Comprehensive Gynecology . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001:878-880.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Ganson Purcell,Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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