Complications of Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Neoplasia: A Prospective Study
Chumnan Kietpeerakool MD*, Jatupol Srisomboon MD*, Apichart Khobjai MD*, Aunchalee Chandacham MD*, Umpawan Tucksinsook BSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai
Objectives : To evaluate the complications following loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for
diagnosis and treatment of cervical neoplasia.
Materials and Methods : Descriptive cross sectional study in patients with abnormal cervical cytology who
underwent LEEP at Chiang Mai University Hospital between November 2004 and July 2005 were prospec-
tively evaluated for complications.
Results : During the study periods, 206 patients underwent cervical loop excision for a total of 226 procedures.
The mean age of the patients was 41 years (range, 26 -72 years). Sixty (29.1%) women were menopausal. The
most common abnormal cervical cytology was HSIL (56.3%) followed by LSIL (12.1%). Twenty-five (11.1%)
patients received re-excision for positive margin after the first procedure. Intraoperative hemorrhage
occurred in 7.9% of the procedures. Early and late postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 0.4% and 2.6% of
the procedures, respectively. Eight (3.5%) had postoperative infections and were cured with oral antibiotics.
By logistic regression analysis, there was no significant correlation between age, menopausal status, HIV
status, re-excision procedure, final histopathology, cone dimension and the complications of LEEP.
Conclusion : Loop electrosurgical excision procedure is safe for evaluation and treatment of cervical neopla-
sia with an acceptable and manageable surgical morbidity.
Keywords : Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, Complication, Cervical neoplasia
