When you had your last colposcopy examination, we found some abnormal cells in your cervix (the neck of your womb). We typically use loop diathermy treatment to remove these abnormal cells.

Loop diathermy treatment is 95 to 97% effective.

If you have any questions relating to the information below, get in touch with us (see Contact information below).

Important

Pregnancy

We cannot perform this treatment if you are pregnant.

To avoid possible pregnancy, do not have unprotected sexual intercourse between your last period and your treatment.

If you use a coil, use an additional contraceptive method for 7 days before treatment, as we may need to remove the coil.

If you are pregnant and need treatment, get in touch with the Colposcopy Clinical Nurse Specialists (see Contacts below).

Medications

As soon as you have a date for your procedure, let us know if you are currently using anticoagulant medications (for example warfarin). See contact number below.

About this treatment

Loop diathermy treatment is usually used to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

We can perform it in our Colposcopy Clinic under local anaesthetic. Sometimes we suggest that we perform it while you are under general anaesthetic (asleep).

The loop diathermy procedure is similar to a colposcopy examination.

  • We give you local anaesthetic to numb your cervix. This makes sure you feel no discomfort during the procedure.
  • We use a loop of wire which has a specially blended electrical current flowing through it. This wire removes the abnormal tissue from your cervix. Its electrical current helps to seal the area at the same time, which keeps bleeding to a minimum.

Pain/discharge

We will use local anaesthetic to numb your cervix, so you should not feel pain.

If you do feel pain at any point during the procedure, let the doctor or nurse know. They can give you more local anaesthetic if needed.

After the procedure

Do not drive yourself home.
Do not use public transport to go home.

Arrange for someone to:

  • drive you home or stay with you if you take a taxi home
  • stay with you overnight in case you feel unwell.

Preparing for treatment

Follow this guidance to prepare for treatment.

  • Do not use moisturiser or body lotion on the morning of your treatment.
  • Remove all jewellery before treatment.
  • As soon as you have a date for your procedure, let us know if you are currently using anticoagulant medications (for example warfarin). See contact number below.

After treatment

After treatment you may feel some discomfort and period-type cramps. We advise you to take your usual over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve this.

Some women experience period-like bleeding and a blood-stained vaginal discharge that may last up to 4 weeks. This is normal.

Most patients return to work the day after treatment.

Important: after treatment

For 4 weeks after treatment, do not:

  • use tampons
  • have sexual intercourse
  • go swimming
  • do any strenuous exercise
  • travel abroad.

Follow-up

We discharge most patients following treatment to their cervix.

We advise you to make a GP appointment for a smear test 6 months after your treatment.

  • If your smear test is negative for high-risk HPV (a particular type of HPV), you will remain under the care of your GP for routine cervical screening.
  • If the smear test shows evidence of high-risk HPV, your GP will refer you to the Kingston Hospital Colposcopy Clinic.

If you smoke, abnormalities in your cervix may sometimes persist after treatment. For information on quitting smoking, see More information below.

Future pregnancy

This treatment will not affect your ability to have children.

Risk of premature birth or late miscarriage

Having treatment to your cervix means you are potentially at risk of having a premature birth or late miscarriage when you become pregnant. (This is because removing abnormal cells can weaken your cervix.) 

About 2 in 100 women who become pregnant after this treatment give birth before 37 weeks (prematurely).

Your colposcopist will explain the associated risks, prior to your treatment.

More information

The Eve Appeal (a gynaecological cancer charity)

NHS advice on quitting smoking

Contact information

Colposcopy Admin Team
Email: krn-tr.colposcopy@nhs.net

 

Colposcopy Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
Email: krft.colposcopy@nhs.net

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For Day Surgery Unit patients only:
Day Surgery Unit advice line,
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm

Out of hours and weekends, Day Surgery Unit calls are diverted to Alex Ward

Telephone:

Gynaecology/colposcopy line: 
020 8934 6407 (option 2 for gynaecology and option 5 for colposcopy)

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For Day Surgery Unit patients only:
020 8541 5370

 

For Day Surgery Unit patients only: Alex Ward on 
020 8934 2301