Cone Biopsy of the Cervix with the Carbon Dioxide Laser: Report of 101 Cases in an Office Setting

ABSTRACT

One hundred one of 107 patients (94%) requiring conization of the cervix underwent the procedure with the CO₂ laser in the office. Blood loss was minimal, and the procedure caused little discomfort. Satisfactory specimens were obtained for pathologic examination. The complication rate compared favorably with that of cold conization. There were no intraoperative hemorrhage and no postoperative infections, and only 1 patient had significant delayed bleeding. One patient had a perforation of the posterior cervix and was admitted overnight for observation. Three cases of cervical stenosis were treated by laser vaporization and cervical dilation. The majority of cervical cone biopsies can safely be performed with the CO₂ laser in an office setting by an experienced operator.