A trial that compares Monsel's paste with ball electrode for hemostasis after loop electrosurgical excision procedure

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare Monsel's paste with fulguration with ball electrode for hemostasis after loop electrosurgical excision procedure.

Study design: One hundred healthy women were assigned randomly by computer-generated random numbers to ball electrode or thickened Monsel's paste for hemostasis after loop electrosurgical excision procedure. Patients rated pain during hemostasis using a visual analog scale. At 2 weeks, postprocedural vaginal discharge was rated on a Likert scale. Pathology was reviewed for dysplasia grade and margin status. Recurrent dysplasia on repeat Papanicolaou tests was noted.

Results: Six patients (2 Monsel's and 4 fulguration) required an alternate method of hemostasis. Patient demographics, postprocedural discharge, and recurrent dysplasia were comparable between the 2 groups. Visual analog scale scores and hemostasis time were significantly higher in the fulguration group. Estimated blood loss, although higher in the fulguration group, was not significant between groups.

Conclusion: Monsel's paste and fulguration with ball electrode appear be equally effective as hemostatic agents after loop electrosurgical excision procedure.