[Value of cold-knife conization without hemostatic sutures]

Abstract

Retractile scarring often occurs after conisation of the cervix uteri, concealing the new squamocolumnar junction. It has been suggested that healing quality is improved if haemostatic sutures are not used. We report here on 118 cold-knife conisations carried out without haemostatic sutures. On histological examination there were 3% microinvasive carcinomas, 87% high-grade and 10% low-grade dysplasias. The endocervical margin was positive or doubtful in 6% of cases (n = 7). Six of these patients underwent secondary procedures which produced specimens free of transformation. A new colposcopic examination was performed six months after the cone biopsy: the squamocolumnar junction was visible in 90% confirming the usefulness of the technique.