Abstract
Cervical excisional procedures stand as an important risk factor for preterm birth (PTB) in subsequent pregnancies in various articles in the medical literature. We performed an evidence-based review of the obstetrical outcomes succeeding excisional procedures for cervical dysplasia as follows: we reviewed 16 studies published between 2015 and 2020 that assessed whether there is an association between excisional cervical procedures and unfavorable obstetrical outcomes. Nevertheless, there are several other aspects of the problem, taken into account as possibly responsible for increasing the risk of PTB, as the grade of the dysplasia, the effect of depth/length/volume of the excised cone specimen, prophylactic procedures for the prevention of PTB, age, interval conization-pregnancy. The majority of the authors suggested an association between excisional procedures and preterm birth or other obstetrical events. However, some of them did not find statistically significant data in order to strongly affirm a correlation between conization and PTB, or, on the contrary, disproved the given hypothesis. There is no consensus regarding cervical excisions as being an individual risk factor for PTB, therefore more studies need to be conducted in order to come to a strong, universal conclusion.
Highlights
More than 550,000 women all over the world are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, according to World Health Organization [1]
In 2015, Miller et al [18] published an article based on a four years cohort study, which proved that women who underwent cervical excisional procedures have an increased risk for preterm birth
The frequency of preterm birth (PTB) among patients in the first two categories was 6.4% and 6.5% respectively, whereas amongst patients with prior cervical procedures was 8.4%. Their main findings were that cervical dysplasia, in the absence of cervical procedures, does not increase the risk for PTB
Summary
More than 550,000 women all over the world are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, according to World Health Organization [1]. In 2015, Miller et al [18] published an article based on a four years cohort study, which proved that women who underwent cervical excisional procedures have an increased risk for preterm birth. Another study that claims a higher risk for PTB in women with prior cervical excisional procedures was led by a Norwegian team [13].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
