Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Specimens Research Articles

Role of HPV in the Prediction of Persistence/Recurrence After Treatment for Cervical Precancer

Objectives(1) To determine the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing after excisional treatment of cervical precancer. (2) To determine clinical factors associated with persistence of cervical precancer post-treatment. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted including patients who had a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for cervical precancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3/adenocarcinoma in situ/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions [HSIL]). All patients treated between 2016 and 2018 at a tertiary centre colposcopy unit were included. Persistence/recurrence of disease was defined as high-grade cytology or histology identified during the time of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed to identify factors associated with persistence/recurrence and HPV positivity at exit testing. ResultsA total of 284 patients were included. The median follow-up time was 19 months. Of the LEEP specimens, 90.8% (n = 258) demonstrated HSIL and 3.9% (n = 11) had adenocarcinoma in situ. 28.5% (n = 81) of the LEEP specimens had positive margins. In follow-up, 72.9% had negative cytology, 17.6% had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low-grade SIL, 1.8% had atypical squamous cells, HSIL cannot be excluded/low-grade SIL-H, and 6.7% had HSIL. At the final follow-up, 27.8% (n = 79) were HPV+. Overall rate of persistence/recurrence was 11.3% (n = 32); median time to persistence/recurrence was 6.5 months. Multivariate regression models demonstrated that follow-up HPV positivity (OR = 22.0) and positive margins (OR = 3.7) were significantly associated with persistence/recurrence. Similarly, in univariate regression models, positive margins were significant (OR = 2.2) for predicting HPV positivity in exit testing. ConclusionsPersistence/recurrence of precancer can occur due to incomplete treatment of lesions by local excision and by the persistence of HPV infection. Surveillance strategies for women treated for cervical precancer require a risk-based approach and should rely on HPV testing.

Predictive value of HPV genotyping for recurrence of CIN2−3 in women treated by LEEP with negative resection margins

The aim of our study was to determine whether the HPV genotype identified by the HPV DNA chip (HDC) test could predict the recurrence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2–3) in women who had undergone a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and had negative margins. We analyzed the data of 1021 women with CIN2–3 treated by LEEP where histology confirmed negative resection margins. The women were followed up with HDC and endocervical cytology tests at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months during the first 2 years and annually thereafter. Among the 1021 patients, the pre-LEEP HDC test was positive for 992 (97.2%). A total of 90 (8.8%) patients experienced recurrence of CIN2–3 and the post-LEEP follow-up HDC tests were positive, thus demonstrating a persistent high-risk HPV infection of the same genotype, which showed a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%in predicting recurrence. We also examined the correlation between pre-LEEP high-risk HPV genotypes and recurrence. The most common subtypes were HPV16, HPV18 and HPV31. Persistence of HPV18 had the highest risk of recurrence of CIN2–3 (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that type-specific persistent high-risk HPV infection, particularly the HPV18 subtype, is a significant predictor of recurrence in patients with negative resection margins in the LEEP specimens. Thus, these patients require careful monitoring, and gynecologic oncologists should conduct short-term follow-up tests.

Conservative Treatment for Cervical Adenocarcinoma In Situ: Long-Term Results.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). This is a retrospective study on women with histologically confirmed AIS on cervical loop electrosurgical excision procedure specimen, treated conservatively between 2008 and 2020 in our center, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan. The main outcome investigated was the risk of recurrence defined as a subsequent finding of recurrent AIS or invasive adenocarcinoma in a long-term follow-up. The disease-free survival curve was computed using the Kaplan-Meyer method. All patients underwent colposcopy with endocervical curettage and cytology every 6 months for the first 2 years after initial surgery and then annual cytology. Thirty women, aged 26 to 51 years, with histologically proven AIS on excisional specimen with negative margins, negative apex, and negative endocervical curettage were included. The median follow-up was 5.4 years. One woman had a recurrence of AIS after 8 years of follow-up and underwent total hysterectomy. No invasive cervical disease was detected during surveillance. Women with cervical AIS can be managed conservatively by an excisional procedure, provided that the margins are free and a close and long-term follow-up is guaranteed.

Comparing loop electrosurgical procedure pathology results in the inpatient and outpatient setting (474)

<b>Objectives:</b> In the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) provides diagnostic information and may be therapeutic. Margin status is a key prognostic factor, given that patients with positive margins demonstrate a five-fold increased risk of any grade CIN recurrence. LEEP can be safely performed in inpatient or outpatient settings as dictated by patient preference, equipment availability, and anatomic considerations. However, there is limited evidence comparing outcomes as they relate to the LEEP treatment settings. We sought to evaluate quality outcomes and margin status of inpatient versus outpatient LEEPs. <b>Methods:</b> All patients who underwent LEEP between April 2019 and August 2021 at a single institution were identified. Chart review was conducted to extract patient demographics, clinical risk factors, and pathology outcomes. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. <b>Results:</b> We analyzed 291 LEEP specimens, 254 (87%) in the outpatient setting and 37 (13%) in the inpatient setting. Table 1 lists patient characteristics and pathologic outcomes data. There was a significant difference in the median age, BMI, and parity between the two groups. The reasons for inpatient LEEP listed were difficult anatomy (<i>n</i>=12, 32%), lack of access to equipment required for LEEP (<i>n</i>=11, 30%), patient preference (<i>n</i>=4, 11%), concern for malignancy (<i>n</i>=3, 8%), patient comorbidity (<i>n</i>=3, 8%), large area of dysplasia (<i>n</i>=2, 5%), and combined case with other inpatient procedure (<i>n</i>=2, 5%). All comorbid conditions were related to bleeding disorders. There were significant differences between colposcopy and LEEP pathology results with respect to grade of dysplasia and evidence of malignancy. No significant differences were identified with respect to the frequency of thermal artifact affecting pathologic interpretation of margin status. Interestingly, LEEPs performed in the inpatient setting were associated with greater specimen depth and multiple tissue samples (not including endocervical curettage) compared to outpatient LEEPs. <b>Conclusions:</b> In this single-institution, retrospective study, there was no significant difference between inpatient and outpatient LEEP procedures with respect to the thermal artifact and margin status. This may result from the more ubiquitous use of P16 immunohistochemical staining to evaluate specimen margins. Although the depth of the resected specimen was significantly greater when performed in the operating room, there was also an apparent increase in specimen number, potentially reflecting larger visible lesions requiring multiple resections. These results suggest that outpatient LEEP procedures may be equally effective in managing CIN, with potential cost implications.

Clinical Outcomes Associated with Endocervical Glandular Involvement in Patients with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia III.

This study aimed to determine whether endocervical glandular involvement (GI) affects the clinical prognosis of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III who underwent the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This retrospective study included 250 patients who underwent LEEP for the treatment of CIN III between August 2005 and May 2020. The medical records of 234 patients were analyzed; 137 (58.5%) patients were GI negative, and 97 (41.5%) were GI positive. Margin involvement of the LEEP specimen was found in 59 (45.4%) patients in the GI-negative group and 54 (58.7%) patients in the GI-positive group (p = 0.051). The additional surgical procedures (repeat conization or hysterectomy) were significantly more performed in GI-positive patients than in GI-negative patients (40.9% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.004). When comparing the LEEP specimens of GI-1 (GI-positive confirmed via cervical biopsy before conization) and GI-2 (GI-positive confirmed via conization), we found that the mean depth was significantly greater in the GI-1 group (10.9 mm) than in the GI-2 group (7.6 mm) (p = 0.024). Surgical margin involvement was more frequently observed in the GI-2 group than in the GI-1 group (p = 0.030). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rates of CIN between the GI-negative and GI-positive groups (p = 0.641). In conclusion, despite no significant differences in residual disease and CIN recurrence between the GI-negative and GI-positive groups, additional surgical treatments were more frequently performed in GI-positive patients. Repeat surgery based on GI positivity should be carefully considered to avoid overtreatment and surgical complications.

Can We Reduce Overtreatment of Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions?

The aim was to evaluate the cytology, colposcopic, and pathological factors associated with the absence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2-3 lesion on loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) specimens in women with high-grade cytology and/or HSIL/CIN 2-3 biopsy and the risk of disease persistence/recurrence. Two-center retrospective study of women undergoing LEEP for high-grade cervical disease between January 2014 and December 2019. Clinical, cytology, colposcopy, and pathology results were evaluated to identify independent predictive factors associated with CIN 1/negative LEEP results. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Follow-up data was evaluated to assess the risk of HSIL/CIN 2-3 persistence/recurrence. Six hundred thirty-nine of 801 women (79.8%) had high-grade cytology and 631 (78.8%) HSIL/CIN 2-3 biopsy. High-risk human papillomavirus test was positive in 98% of women. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure specimen showing CIN 1 or less was found in 27%-31%. Normal/low-grade colposcopy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17, CI = 1.39-3.39, p = .001) and CIN 1/negative biopsy (OR = 3.25, CI = 2.12-4.99, p < .001) were predictors of negative/CIN 1 LEEP result in women with high-grade cytology. Normal/low-grade cytology (OR = 1.77, CI = 1.19-2.64, p = .005), normal/low-grade colposcopy (OR = 1.66, CI = 1.11-2.49, p = .013), and CIN 2 biopsy (OR = 2.75, CI = 1.73-4.39, p < .001) were predictors in women with HSIL/CIN 2-3 biopsy. Women with a negative/CIN 1 LEEP had lower recurrence/persistence than those with confirmed HSIL/CIN 2-3(1 vs 31, p = .002). Positive endocervical margin (OR = 2.85, CI = 1.10-7.36, p = .03) and high-risk human papillomavirus persistence (OR = 41.3, CI = 16-106.7, p < .01) were predictors of HSIL/CIN 2-3 persistence/recurrence. A CIN 1/negative LEEP specimen in women with high-grade cytology and/or HSIL/CIN 2-3 biopsy is associated with negative/low-grade cytology, normal/low-grade colposcopic findings and CIN 2 biopsy result before treatment. The HSIL/CIN 2-3 disease persistence/recurrence is low when LEEP specimen does not confirm HSIL/CIN 2-3.

Endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ-from Papanicolaou test to hysterectomy: a series of 74 cases.

Endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is not always identified on cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) test cytology because the Pap test has relatively low sensitivity for the diagnosis endocervical glandular lesions. We performed a retrospective study to determine the relative sensitivity of different diagnostic approaches, including Pap tests, cervical biopsy and/or endocervical curettage, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), and hysterectomy specimens. Cases of endocervical AIS diagnosed from August 2005 to January 2019 were retrieved from our institution's pathology databases, and their clinicopathologic features were reviewed. A total of 74 patients with endocervical AIS with or without concurrent squamous intraepithelial lesions or cervical neoplasms were identified. Their mean age at diagnosis was 39.9 years. More than one half of the cases of AIS were not detected from screening Pap tests but were diagnosed during histologic examination of cervical biopsy or endocervical curettage, LEEP, or cone biopsy specimens (~66%). Only a few patients had had a definitive diagnosis of AIS from the Pap tests (10.8%). Other abnormal glandular cytology included atypical glandular cells, not otherwise specified (16.2%), atypical glandular cells favoring neoplasia (5.4%), and atypical glandular cells suspicious for malignancy (1.3%). Abnormal squamous cytology was common in the study population (54%), with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion the most common finding (30%). AIS was diagnosed in 31 of 42 cervical biopsies or curettages, with 16 cases an incidental finding and 15 cases confirming previous abnormal glandular cytology. In addition, AIS was identified in 51 of 53 LEEPs. Approximately 41.5% of those undergoing LEEP had a previous diagnosis of AIS, and 54.7% of the cases were incidental findings. More than one half of the AIS cases harbored significant concurrent cervical lesions, including 26.7% with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 5.7% with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 1.9% with invasive squamous cell carcinoma, 20.9% with invasive adenocarcinoma, and 6.7% with microinvasive adenocarcinoma. Our results have demonstrated that the ability to detect AIS with routine screening Pap testing or biopsy/curettage has variable efficacy depending on the screening methods. Given the relatively low combined sensitivity of Pap testing and biopsy/endocervical curettage in the diagnosis of AIS, all LEEPs and cervical cone biopsies performed for squamous cell abnormalities should be thoroughly evaluated for glandular lesions.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure in Managing Persistent Low-Grade Abnormality or Human Papillomavirus Positivity.

The aims of the study were to estimate the rate and to identify predictors of high-grade abnormalities among women with persistent low-grade abnormalities or high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) positivity for at least 2 years stratified by presence (high risk) or absence (low risk) of previous high-grade results or HPV 16/18. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for persistent low-grade or hrHPV positivity was performed. Patients were stratified based on whether they had a history of high-grade and/or HPV 16/18 positivity. Rates of high-grade or worse abnormalities on LEEP were compared using Fisher exact tests. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between patient characteristics and high-grade results on the LEEP. Three hundred eleven LEEPs were performed for persistent low-grade or hrHPV positivity. The rates of occult high grade were 12% and 22% among the low- and high-risk groups, respectively. Compared with those 45 years and older, the adjusted odds of high grade was 3.79 (95% CI = 1.19-12.1) for women aged 25-29 years. The odds of high grade was higher among current versus never smokers (6.40; 95% CI = 2.01-20.4) and those with a history of high-grade abnormality (2.23; 95% CI = 1.12-4.43). At 2 years, approximately half had an abnormal cytology and/or hrHPV positivity result independent of whether high grade was identified on their LEEP specimen. Patients with persistent low-grade abnormalities or persistent hrHPV should be counseled on the risks and benefits of a LEEP given that 12%-22% have a risk of occult high grade, especially if they have a history of high-grade dysplasia.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting Margin Positivity and Persistent Disease After Leep for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the precursor lesion of cervical cancer. Untreated high-grade CIN significantly increases the risk of developing invasive cancer. Conization is the main treatment. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is the most common conization method used. The study aims to assess the risk factors associated with positive margin and persistent disease after LEEP for CIN. A total of 156 patients who underwent LEEP during 2011-2018 included in the study. We analyzed the socio-demographic characteristics, colposcopy details, dimensions of LEEP specimen (thickness, length, volume) and histopathology (margin positivity, grade). Persistent disease was histologically confirmed by repeat LEEP and hysterectomy. Margin positivity was noted in 33.3% (52) patients. Residual disease was noted in 26.2% (41) of the patients who had undergone a repeat LEEP or hysterectomy. There was a significant association between margin positivity and Swede score of 5 or more, a high-grade lesion on IFCPC score, inner margin involvement, LEEP done in a single pass. The cutoff for margin positivity was length of 0.513cm and thickness of 0.35cm. A significant association between residual disease and margin positivity, postmenopausal status, Swede score of 5 or more, high-grade lesion on IFCPC score, inner margin involvement was observed. The chance of residual disease was less if the cone specimen had minimum length of 0.775cm and minimum thickness of 0.65cm. When in doubt regarding the margins, it is always better to perform multiple passes for lesions with a high Swede score with an initial smear of HSIL. Postmenopausal women with inner margin positivity have a high chance of residual disease and should be either kept on close follow-up or consider a repeat procedure.

Expression of p16 and HPV E4 on biopsy samples and methylation of FAM19A4 and miR124-2 on cervical cytology samples in the classification of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions.

The decision to treat a cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) relies heavily on a colposcopy‐directed biopsy showing high‐grade (H)SIL. Diagnosis is often supported by p16, an immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarker of high‐risk (hr)HPV E7 gene activity. Additional potential markers include methylation of tumor suppressor genes FAM19A4/miR124‐2 in cervical cytology for advanced transforming HSIL and the IHC marker HPV E4 for productive, potentially regressing lesions. In 318 women referred for colposcopy, we investigated the relationship between staining patterns of p16 and E4 IHC in the worst biopsy, and the relation of these to FAM19A4/miR124‐2 methylation status in cytology. E4‐positive staining decreased with increasing SIL/CIN grade from 41% in LSIL to 3% in HSIL/CIN3. E4 positivity increased with grade of p16 when p16 expression was limited to the lower two third of the epithelium (r = 0.378), but fell with expression over. Loss of E4 expression in the worst lesion was associated with the methylation of FAM19A4/miR124‐2. We also examined whether these biomarkers can predict the histological outcome of the LEEP biopsy in a subgroup of 119 who underwent LEEP treatment. About 85% of women with ≥lower two third p16 staining/E4‐negative HSIL biopsies and 65% with limited p16 staining/E4‐positive HSIL biopsies had ≥HSIL in the LEEP specimen (P = .025). p16 expression in a biopsy is related both to viral production and transformation, while decreased E4 expression relates to methylation, indicating advanced HSIL. p16 expression in ≥2/3 of the epithelium and absent E4 indicate likely HSIL on a subsequent LEEP specimen.

Specimen Fragmentation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure and Cold Knife Cone Biopsy Outcomes.

Surgical technique for loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and cold knife cone (CKC) emphasizes a uniform specimen, but sequelae of specimen fragmentation are not established. We evaluated outcomes between fragmented and unfragmented excisional biopsy specimens. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure and CKCs from January 2010 to October 2013 were reviewed. Intraepithelial lesion grade, fragmentation, margin, and Endocervical curettage status were analyzed. Adenocarcinoma in situ and cancer were excluded. Repeat procedures during the study period were included in follow-up. Loop electrosurgical excision procedures with top hat with no separate fragments were analyzed independently versus those with fragmented LEEP and/or top hat. Indeterminate margin was defined as inconclusive or unevaluable margin, or intraepithelial lesion in unidentifiable margin or fragment. Outcomes involved residual or recurrent disease and repeat procedures for intraepithelial lesion. χ was used for statistical analysis. Fragmented specimens were more likely to have any positive margin (p = .01), multiple positive margins (p < .001), and indeterminate margin (p < .001) than unfragmented specimens. There was no significant difference in rates of positive, insufficient, or high-grade Endocervical curettage (p = .74, 0.54, 0.92). Patients with fragmented specimens were more likely to have high-grade lesion recurrence in the following 3 years (p = .04) versus patients with index unfragmented specimens, though not compared with those with unfragmented LEEP + top-hat cases. Overall rates of repeat LEEP/CKC or hysterectomy for dysplasia were not different (p = .56). Fragmentation of LEEP and CKC specimens is associated with higher rates of positive margins, recurrent high-grade intraepithelial lesions, and indeterminate margins. These may cause diagnostic uncertainty, require closer follow-up, and increase cost with more visits and studies.

Outcomes of Two Years Follow-Up after Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure in a University Hospital

Introduction: We aimed to determine our experience on Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with cervical preinvasive lesions in an academic hospital in two years follow-up period. Materials and Methods: Data from 64 patients with cervical preinvasive lesion who underwent LEEP were analyzed retrospectively. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status, cytological outcomes of patients before LEEP, and after 2 years follow-up period were documented. Results: Prior to LEEP, 94.52% of patients were positive in terms of HPV status. HPV positivity rate was detected as 13.89% after LEEP. The most common detected HPV type in residual lesions was HPV 16. 67.19% of patients who underwent LEEP have negative cytology after two years follow-up period. The other cytological outcomes at this period were as follows; 21.88% of patients had ASCUS, 9.38% of the patients had LSIL and 1.56 % of patients had HSIL cytology. Surgical margin status was positive in 6.25% of LEEP specimens. There were 3 patients who underwent re-LEEP in two years follow-up period for HSIL. Conclusion: The LEEP procedure was applied to patients with HSIL and ASC-H with satisfactory recurrence rates in two years follow-up period.

Analysis of recurrence and its influencing factors in patients with cervical HSIL within 24 months after LEEP

Objective: To analyze clinical outcome of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) within 24 months after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), and to explore risk factors of recurrent cervical HSIL, the risk of progress into cervical cancer and methods of follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 1 005 patients who underwent LEEP, diagnosing with HSIL after LEEP from January 2011 to December 2013 at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University to confer the difference between non-recurrent group and recurrent group 24 months after the LEEP conization. Patients were followed with ThinPrep cytologic test (TCT), high risk HPV (HR-HPV) test, colposcopy guided biopsy. Results: A total of 1 005 cases were enrolled in this study with HSIL in the LEEP specimen, no residual HSIL in the 6-month follow up, and have follow up records in 24 months after LEEP. HSIL recurred in 5 cases, microinvasive carcinoma in 1 case, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in 17 cases at 12 months follow-up. HSIL recurred in 8 cases, LSIL in 11 cases, adenocarcinoma in situ in 1 case, and invasive cervical carcinoma in 1 case in Ⅰb1 stage at 24 months after LEEP. The recurrence rate was 1.3% (13/1 005) , and the progression rate was 0.3% (3/1 005) . There was no significant difference in age, length, circumference and width of LEEP between recurrent and non-recurrent patients (P>0.05) . The recurrence rate was highest in the endocervical positive margin group with 3/16, which was higher than ectocervical positive margin and negative margin (P<0.01, P=0.040, respectively). The recurrence rate of endocervical positive margin group and fibrous interstitial positive margin group showed no significant difference (P=0.320) . There was no significant difference between ectocervical positive margin and negative margin [2.8% (2/72) vs 0.7% (6/882), P=0.117]. Postoperative cytological examination combined with HR-HPV detection has a high sensitive and high negative predictor value of HSIL recurrence with both 100.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that positive endocervical positive margin, abnormal follow-up cytological examination and positive HR-HPV after LEEP were independent factors affecting recurrence of HSIL patients after LEEP (P<0.05). Conclusions: Age, length, circumference and width of LEEP have no effect on recurrence within 24 months after HSIL. The high risk factors for HSIL recurrence within 24 months after LEEP in HSIL patients include: positive HPV, abnormal cytology, and positive endocervical positive margin. Colposcopy biopsy and endocervical curettage have important role in diagnosing HSIL recurrence and progression.

Predictors of Absent High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) in Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Specimens of Patients with Colposcopic Directed Biopsy-Confirmed High-Grade CIN

Objective:To determine predictors of having cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 or less in loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) specimens of patients with colposcopic directed biopsy-confirmed CIN 2-3.Methods:Two hundred and eighty patients with colposcopic directed biopsy-confirmed CIN 2-3 who subsequently underwent LEEP were enrolled in the retrospective study. Related clinical data were collected to determine the predictors of CIN 1 or less in LEEP specimens.Results:CIN 1 or less in LEEP specimens was found in 71 (25.4%) of 280 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that nulliparity [OR (95% CI) = 3.375 (1.245-9.150)], low grade Papanicolaou (Pap) results [OR (95% CI) = 6.410 (2.877-14.280)] and low grade colposcopic impression [OR (95% CI) = 16.506 (5.844-46.632)] were significant risk factors of having CIN 1 or less in LEEP specimens. Neither persistent nor recurrent CIN 2-3 was detected in 71 patients who had CIN 1 or less in LEEP specimens. However, persistent or recurrent CIN 2-3 developed in 3 out of 209 (1.4%) patients with CIN 2-3 found in LEEP specimens.Conclusion:Approximately 25% of patients with CIN 2-3 in colposcopic directed biopsy specimens had CIN 1 or less found in LEEP specimens. Predicting factors of having CIN 1 or less in LEEP specimens were nulliparity, low grade Pap results and low grade colposcopic impression.

Risk Factor Analysis of Persistent High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion After Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Conization.

The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) 6 months after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). We explored the risk factors of persistent cervical HSIL after LEEP and evaluated the methods of follow-up. This retrospective study included women who underwent a LEEP and had a diagnosis of HSIL in their LEEP specimen during 2011 to 2015. The purpose was to determine the risk factors among these women for having persistent HSIL disease at their 6-month follow-up visit. At their follow-up visit, each woman underwent cervical cytology and high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) testing, colposcopy-directed punch biopsy, and/or endocervical curettage. A total of 3582 women were enrolled. There were 9 cases invasive cervical cancer found and 101 women had persistent HSIL. The persistence rate was higher in women 50 years or older. The circumference, length, and width of LEEP specimens did not differ statistically between the persistent and nonpersistent group. The persistence rate among women with positive LEEP specimen margins was higher than among women with negative margins. Positive endocervical margins were associated with a higher rate of persistence than positive ectocervical margins. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age, positive margins, abnormal cytology, and positive hrHPV during follow-up were all independent risk factors for persistent HSIL lesions. Being 50 years or older, positive margins, particularly endocervical margins, and having abnormal cytology and positive hrHPV testing during follow-up were risk factors for persistent HSIL lesions after LEEP conization. Colposcopy plays an indispensable role in the diagnosis of persistent HSIL and progression.

Trainee Performance in Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) After Simulation Training.

The aim of the study was to review the performance of trainees in loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) procedures after the introduction of a simulation training program. A simulation training program was introduced in September 2016 for gynecology trainees at the study institution. Trainees were encouraged to perform at least 3 simulated LEEP procedures before operating. For a 12-month period after the introduction of training, data on operating time and specimen quality measures of clear margin status, adequate depth, and absence of fragmentation were reviewed. This was compared with a 12-month period before simulation training (from September 2014-September 2015). Trainees were surveyed for feedback on the training. In total, 135 LEEP procedures were reviewed: 68 before and 67 after simulator training. Trainee specimens after training were more likely to be nonfragmented (89.2% vs 55.9%, p = .003), have clear margins (72.2% vs 41.9%, p = .015), and meet "all criteria" (46% vs 20.6%, p = .043) than trainee specimens before training. There was no change in depth adequacy (70.3% vs 67.7%, p = .99). Median trainee procedure time reduced from 18 minutes (interquartile range = 11-24) before training to 8 minutes after training (interquartile range = 6-11) (p = <0.001). There was no significant change in operating time or specimen quality from LEEP procedures performed by attendings (who did not use the simulator). Trainee and attending procedural outcomes were similar after training. Trainees had mostly positive views on the training, though reported time constraints as a barrier to simulation. After the introduction of an LEEP simulation training program, operative time and specimen quality from trainee procedures seemed to improve.

Colposcopy Evaluation at the Time of Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure May Avoid Unnecessary Treatment.

The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of colposcopy evaluation at the time of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to identify women with a previous confirmatory diagnosis of squamous intraepithelial lesion/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (SIL/CIN) with low probability of dysplasia in the LEEP specimen. We prospectively recruited a cohort of 162 women undergoing LEEP for histological high-grade SIL/CIN 2-3 or low-grade SIL/CIN 1 with high-grade SIL cytology showing a fully visible squamocolumnar junction in the colposcopy evaluation at the time of LEEP. At the referral visit cervical cytology, human papillomavirus and genotype detection, digital colposcopy, colposcopical lesion measurement, and 1 or more biopsies of the transformation zone were obtained. The uterine cervix was colposcopically evaluated intraoperatively. Thirty-four women (21.0%) had a normal colposcopy evaluation at the time of the LEEP, whereas the remaining 128 women showed abnormal findings. Absence of SIL/CIN in the LEEP specimen was confirmed in 28 (82.3%) of the 34 women with a normal colposcopy at the time of LEEP group and 8 (3.1%) of the 128 women showing abnormal colposcopy at the time of LEEP group (p < .001). A normal colposcopic evaluation at the time of LEEP was associated with an increase in the risk of absence of lesion in the cone specimen compared with cases presenting an abnormal colposcopy (95% CI = 33.8-1,555.1, p < .001). The colposcopy evaluation at the time of LEEP had a positive predictive value of 82.3% (95% CI = 66.5-91.5) and a negative predictive value of 96.9% (95% CI = 92.2-98.8) to predict low probability of SIL/CIN in the specimen. Colposcopic evaluation at the time of LEEP seems to be accurate to identify SIL/CIN postbiopsy regression; thus, its performance would be considered at the time of the treatment.

Oncological and reproductive outcomes of adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix managed with the loop electrosurgical excision procedure

BackgroundThe standard treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is hysterectomy, which is a more aggressive treatment than that used for squamous intraepithelial lesions. Several previous studies have primarily demonstrated that the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is as safe and effective as cold knife cone (CKC) biopsy when AIS is unexpectedly found in a loop excision. This study evaluated the safety of LEEP as the initial treatment for patients with AIS who were strictly selected and evaluated before and after loop resection.MethodsThe oncological and reproductive outcomes of a series of AIS patients who underwent LEEP as the initial treatment between February 2006 and December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsA total of 44 women were eligible for analysis. The mean age at diagnosis was 36.1 years, and 14 patients were nulliparous. Multiple lesions were identified in 4 (9.1%) patients. Either hysterectomy (6 patients) or repeat cone biopsies (3 patients) were performed in 8 of the 10 patients who presented positive or not evaluable surgical resection margins (SMs) on the initial LEEP specimens. Residual disease was detected in two patients. All patients were closely followed for a mean of 36.9 months via human papillomavirus testing, PAP smears, colposcopy, and endocervical curettage when necessary. No recurrences were detected. Of the 16 patients who desired to become pregnant, 8 (50%) successfully conceived, and the full-term live birth rate was 83.3% among this subgroup.ConclusionsLEEP with negative SMs was a safe and feasible fertility-sparing surgical procedure for patients with AIS, and the obstetric outcome was satisfactory. However, long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Impact of anaesthesia mode on evaluation of LEEP specimen dimensions

ObjectivesTo study the influence of anaesthesia (local by cervical block vs. general or spinal anaesthesia) on height and volume of resection specimens in case of conization treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). MethodsProspective observational study of all patients who underwent a first treatment by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for CIN. Height of fresh resection specimens was first measured by the operator and then by the pathologist after formaldehyde fixation. Volume of fresh specimens was measured in a measuring cylinder by fluid displacement. ResultsOne hundred patients were included and 35% of LEEP were performed under local anaesthesia. There was a significant difference in height of specimens depending on anaesthesia mode: after fixation, the average height was 11.2mm in the general or spinal anaesthesia group vs. 8.8mm in the local anaesthesia group (P=0.002). There was also a difference in terms of volume depending on anaesthesia mode: 1.6mL in local anaesthesia group vs. 2.3mm in general and spinal anaesthesia group (P=0.01). ConclusionsAnaesthesia mode has an impact on height and volume of LEEP specimens. In our experience, local anaesthesia could reduce LEEP specimen height.

Adenocarcinoma in situ of the Cervix – is Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure an Acceptable Alternative to Cold Knife Cone Biopsy?

Objective: To compare cone specimen size between loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and cold knife cone (CKC), and evaluate the association between specimen size and margin status. Methods/materials: A retrospective review was performed of women with adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) who underwent CKC or LEEP between 1998 and 2013. Specimen size, including length (distance from the external cervical os to the endocervical margin) and volume were compared between LEEP and CKC, and correlated with margin status. Results: Eighty-five patients underwent a total of 136 procedures, including 91 CKCs (67%) and 45 LEEPs (33%), with 27 removed as a single specimen (one-piece LEEP) and 18 as two specimens with an ectocervical specimen and a deeper endocervical top-hat specimen (two-piece LEEP). The two-piece LEEP specimen median length was significantly longer (2.1 cm) versus CKC (1.4 cm, p&lt;0.01) and one-piece LEEP (0.6 cm, p&lt;0.01). Median specimen volume was greater for two-piece LEEP (7.4 cm3) versus CKC (3.4 cm3, p&lt;0.01) and one-piece LEEP (1.6 cm3, p&lt;0.01). A higher rate of positive margins was noted when comparing all LEEP (67.6%) with CKC specimens (34.2%), p&lt;0.01. However, when the LEEP specimens were analysed separately, one-piece LEEPs had a higher rate of positive margins (81.0%) versus CKC (34.2%) (p&lt;0.01), but there were no significant differences between two-piece LEEP (50.0%) and CKC (34.2%), p=0.26. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a two-piece LEEP produces a larger specimen size with similar rates of positive margins compared with CKC. Given the decreased cost and morbidity compared with CKC, a two-piece LEEP should be considered in the management of women with AIS.