Background: Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is the preferred treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia due to its effectiveness and ability to be performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia (LA).Although current guidelines recommend that most LLETZ can be performed under LA, there is paucity in clinical data of patients' perspectives of outpatient LLETZ.Aim: Determining patient acceptability of outpatient LLETZ through assessment of anxiety and pain scores, and comparing treatment outcomes with current standards in terms of margins status, negative histology, short-term morbidity rates and follow-up attendance. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital over two years (2014)(2015)(2016). Patients undergoing outpatient LLETZ completed a three-part questionnaire (before, immediately after and 4-6 weeks post-procedure). Results:One hundred and five patients underwent outpatient LLETZ. Mean pain score was 2 (range 0-8). Pre-procedure anxiety was common but most resolved post-procedure. Women who did not have a prior LLETZ discussion were more likely to report moderate-severe anxiety levels pre-procedure, compared with women who did (odds ratio 3.00, 95% CI 1.11-8.09, P = 0.030). There were no differences found in pain scores when comparing pre-procedure anxiety levels, prior discussion of LLETZ or mode of anaesthesia. Specimen margins were involved in 42.9%. No association was found between positive cervical margin status and age, pre-procedure anxiety or post-procedure pain scores. Most patients were satisfied and attended follow-up appointments. Conclusion:Large loop excision of the transformation zone under LA is a well-tolerated procedure with high satisfaction and follow-up rates. Clinicians need to initiate early discussions regarding treatment to minimise procedure-related anxiety. K E Y W O R D S anaesthesia, anxiety, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, large loop excision of the transformation zone, pain
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.