Haemostasis after cold-knife conisation: a randomised prospective trial comparing cerclage suture versus electro-cauterization

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques of obtaining haemostasis after cold-knife conisation.

Methods: Seventy-eight women who required conisation for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were prospectively enrolled in a randomised clinical trial to receive either cerclage with cold-knife conisation or cautery with cold-knife conisation. Outcome measures evaluated include estimated blood loss, operative time, early late haemorrhage and dysmenorrhoea. The short- and long-term morbidity was compared, and a six-month follow up was completed.

Results: The procedure-related complication rate was 16.7% in the cautery group, compared with 7.0% in the suture group (P < 0.05). The cerclage group had significantly shorter operative time and intraoperative blood loss than the cautery group (P < 0.05). Postoperative bleeding and dysmenorrhoea were observed in eight (10.2%), and 14 cases (17.9%), in cerclage and cautery group, respectively. Three cases (3.8%) had postoperative infections and were cured with oral antibiotics.

Conclusions: These results suggest that cerclage suturing technique provided excellent haemostasis and restoration of normal cervical anatomy. Cerclage suture of the cone bed is superior to only cauterization as a method of achieving haemostasis, with significantly less blood loss and shorter operative time.