A cone biopsy or LEEP is a minor surgical procedure. It involves the removal of a cylindrical or cone-shaped piece of the cervix in which the abnormal cells are located. Pathological examination will then confirm the diagnosis and ensure that all the abnormal cells have been removed.
A cone biopsy or LEEP is performed when:
You will be positioned as for a gynaecological examination.
For pain relief, a local anaesthetic (during which you will remain awake) or a general anaesthetic (during which you would be asleep for the entire procedure) will be administered.
In general, the procedure is performed via one of 3 methods:
There is usually some mild discomfort after the procedure. A brown-coloured paste (Monsel's solution) may be applied to arrest the bleeding.
A vaginal pack may also be inserted temporarily to stop any bleeding and a tube (catheter) may be placed in the bladder to ensure that it remains empty until the gauze is removed. Painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed after the procedure.
This may be performed at:
The procedure may be claimed up to a limit under the Medisave Scheme.
Your procedure cannot be performed during your period. Do call the GCC to postpone the procedure if this occurs.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics prior to the procedure.
If you have an IUCD - situ, this will be removed during the procedure. Do use alternative forms of contraception during this period.
For procedures at the Day Surgery or Main Operating Theaters:
LEEP / LLETZ Biopsy
Register at the GCC counter.
Your blood pressure and pulse will be checked by our nurses.
The doctor will then administer a local anaesthetic before performing the procedure, which may be viewed on a television screen beside your couch.
There may be mild discomfort during the procedure, which will last approximately 15 minutes.
After the procedure, you will be accompanied to another room to rest. Our nurses will monitor you for approximately 30 minutes before discharging you from the clinic.
Cone Biopsy
Register at the Day Surgery counter (Basement 1) or Women's Admissions (level 1) (if you require admission for the day).
An anaesthetist will discuss the type of pain relief available with you in the operating theatre.
The procedure will last approximately 30 minutes.
You will then be monitored by our nurses at the recovery area prior to discharge from the Day Surgery centre or prior to transfer to the hospital wards if you have been admitted for the day.
The procedures are relatively safe. However, as with all surgeries, complications may occur. These include bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding tissues. In rare cases, narrowing or a weakening of the cervix may occur - both of which may cause complications during pregnancy.
Laser surgery is a safe and effective method available for various gynaecological conditions of the vulva, vagina and cervix. The laser used is called a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.
The laser produces a beam of intense light not visible to the eye. This beam is directed by the surgeon on the affected area as he views the area through an operating microscope. The laser beam instantly evaporates diseased cells while causing little or no damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. Healing is thus rapid following laser surgery. The procedure usually requires anaesthesia.
After surgery, you may experience:
It is normal to have slight bleeding or brownish vaginal discharge for 2- 3 weeks following the procedure. Consult your doctor if you experience:
You can seek consultation at the Gynaecological Cancer Centre (Level 1) or at our 24-Hour O&G Clinic (Basement 1).
After treatment, follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that all the abnormal areas have been treated and that the cervix has healed well. To ensure that you remain well, regular visits are advised.
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