What procedure have I had completed?
You have had a Loop/ or LLETZ treatment of your cervix, which means that a small thumb nail size sample of tissue has been removed from your cervix to send to the laboratory to be reviewed.
Risks
These have been discussed with you as part of the consent process prior to your examination.
These are also in our ‘Attending Colposcopy’ leaflet.
Benefits
This procedure is to remove the pre-cancerous changes and assists with confirmation of the findings at the colposcopy examination and care ahead.
Why did I have the procedure?
This is due to you have confirmed CIN or CGIN (pre-cancerous changes or abnormalities) on a cervical biopsy. A small number of patients also have this procedure to treat very early stage cervical cancer.
This may also have been completed for a diagnostic reason – Meaning the colposcopist was unable to fully visualise your cervix following abnormal cervical screening.
What happens after the procedure?
We will give you a sanitary towel to wear to protect your underwear.
You will not need to stay in clinic or hospital and can drive home as long as you feel well.
Aftercare
Your first menstrual period may be heavy and you may pass some blood clots – this is normal.
The most common complaint is a watery discharge, which may continue for several weeks – this is normal.
After the procedure do not use tampons or menstrual cups for four weeks to prevent infection.
An offensive or bad smelling discharge is a sign that an infection has occurred. If you suspect that you have an infection you should speak to your GP to seek review or alternatively contact the clinic if unable to see your GP timely.
Do not go swimming until your bleeding and or watery discharge has stopped, this is also to prevent infection.
You should not have penetrative vaginal sex – including oral sex and inserting any other objects for four weeks or until you’re bleeding has stopped. This is also to prevent heavy bleeding and infection.
Please avoid heavy lifting or exercise such as running or a gym workout. This may cause further bleeding.
Avoid any overseas travel (flying anywhere abroad) until the area heals (a minimum of four weeks) —if you do travel, remember it can be difficult to get medical attention when abroad and you may not be covered by your travel insurance.
If you feel any discomfort you should take a pain reliever such as paracetamol, following the instructions on the packet.
Your GP will receive a letter through the post informing him/her that you have had a treatment performed
We will write to you within four to six weeks with the results of your treatment and any further care ahead.
If you do not need to attend the Colposcopy Department again, you will need to see your GP for a smear in six months. If HR HPV is not found you will not need a smear for another three years. If HR HPV or further pre-cancerous changes are seen on this you will be invited back for a further review.
When you are at home, bleeding can sometimes occur from the site. If you are bleeding heavily or constantly, or if you pass large blood clots, or if you have to use more than two pads per hour, THIS IS NOT NORMAL and you should contact your GP or ring our clinic or ward on the below numbers.
If you have not understood any of the aftercare – please ask the doctor or nurse to re-explain before you go home
What shall I do if I have a problem or concern?
If you have any concerns, please:
- Contact or visit your GP
- Call the colposcopy department between 09:00-17:00 on 0191 445 6178 or Ward 26 for advice out of hours on 0191 445 3004
- Contact 111 who can priced clinical advice as required
Only attend your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 in the event of an emergency