Cervical Conization surgery is the operation to remove a sample of abnormal tissue from the cervix. This Gynecology surgery is performed on the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens at the top of the vagina.
Cervical Conization is a procedure with a double effect; it is diagnostic (since it rules out the presence of cancer) and at the same time therapeutic, therefore it is a preventive treatment of cervical cancer. It is used in moderate and severe dysplasia CIN II and CIN III or very early stage cervical cancer in women who want to preserve the ability to have children. These lesions are the result of persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk strains, acquired through unprotected sexual intercourse.
Conization means cone-shaped removal of an external part of the cervix and an internal part of the endocervix. The technique is painless with local, regional or general anesthesia and the most commonly used procedure is Leeps loop or laser conization.
Risks of the cervical conization operation
Treatment of CIN is very often successful and most women will have no problems, however a small number of patients will need further treatment. It is important to have regular follow-up with the gynecologist after treatment.
The somewhat more frequent post-surgical complication is bleeding which is controlled with coagulation. If a wide cone is performed, the cervix can weaken and must be monitored during pregnancy to avoid premature delivery.
Recovery after cervical conization
This operation requires rest for the first week and no sports for two weeks, avoid immersion in water or using tampons for a month, and no internal sexual intercourse for the first four weeks. It is normal to have little or moderate bleeding for ten days.
The objective of vaccination in these women is to reduce the risk of new HPV infections and lesions and at the same time acts as a means of slowing down the activity of the present viruses, as does reducing smoking and not using hormonal treatment. All the means at our disposal to increase general and specific immune defenses against HPV are very well considered and should be taken into account.
Finally, it is important to remember the importance of the specialized visit of the male with balanoscopy with or without papilloma test in the urethral meatus and the use of condoms until the first six months, as long as the tests to detect the virus are negative.