COLPOSCOPY
Colposcopy is a procedure in which a lighted, magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to examine the cervix, vagina and vulva. Most of the women who are referred to the colposcopy clinic have an abnormal pap smear or an abnormality seen on the lower genital tract. An abnormal pap smear does NOT mean you have cancer. Pap smear screening is done to detect pre-cancerous cells on the cervix and vagina. Pre-cancerous cells are changes to the cervical or vaginal skin that if left unchecked could turn into cancer over time.
On the day of your colposcopy examination you will first meet with a nurse, who will review your health history, provide you with information and answer your questions. You will change into a gown and will proceed to the waiting room until called. In the examination room there will be a nurse present as well as the doctor.
The colposcope is a type of microscope which magnifies the cervix; it will not touch your body. You lie on your back on a table with your feet in stirrups, just like during a pelvic exam or Pap smear. In order to visualize the cervix, a speculum needs to be inserted in the vagina to hold it open. The doctor will wipe the cervix with a mild vinegar and/ or iodine solution to help show the abnormal areas with the colposcope. Small samples (biopsies) may be taken during the exam. This can sometimes cause mild cramps or you may feel pinching. The procedure to retrieve a tissue sample from inside the opening of the cervix is called endocervical curettage (ECC). A small amount of bleeding may occur a few hours to days after the colposcopy and/or biopsy. The samples are sent to the lab for examination by a pathologist. The colposcopy takes about 5-10 minutes and does not require hospital stay, freezing or pain medication. It takes about two weeks to get the final results of the biopsy.
After the procedure you will be able to resume regular activities. If a biopsy has been taken it is advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days.
The risks following a colposcopy and biopsy are minimal, but rare complications could be heavy bleeding, infection and pelvic pain. A colposcopy and biopsy will not affect your future child bearing ability. The colposcopy examination can be performed during pregnancy.
Our colposcopy doctors are all gynecologists and the tests are done at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure)
LEEP treatment is the most accepted treatment used to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. An electrode with high frequency current is used to remove abnormal tissue and this tissue is sent to the laboratory for further testing.
Often a colposcopy exmination has been performed a few weeks before the LEEP procedure, but this is not always necessary. The location of the LEEP procedure is at the same clinic as the colposcopy examination (Royal Jubilee Hospital).
Before doing the LEEP treatment, the doctor will place a speculum in the vagina to expose your cervix. The doctor will wipe your cervix with dilute vinegar and/ or iodine solution to help demonstrate abnormal areas. The colposcope does not touch your body. At this time the doctor will numb your cervix with a local freezing. A cautery pad will be placed on your thigh to ensure electrical safety. After the LEEP treatment a solution is applied to your cervix to prevent bleeding.
After the procedure you will be taken to a resting area for approximately 10 minutes. Immediately after the procedure you may experience mild cramping similar to menstrual cramps. A small amount of discharge for a few days up to a few weeks is normal. To prevent infection while the cervix is healing, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse, to avoid inserting anything in the vagina, and to avoid hot tubs, swimming pools or the ocean for three weeks. It is also recommended to refrain from strenuous exercise for two weeks.
The results of the pathology will be sent to your referring physician and there will be a 6 months follow up appointment at the colposcopy clinic.
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