Electrosurgical thin loop conization by selective double excision

Thin loop electrosurgical conization of the cervix was performed in 30 women, using a selective double excision (SDE) technique in order to conserve cervical tissue. The entire excisional cone was completed within 4 minutes, and blood loss was estimated at 5 ml or less. All cervices healed in patterns identical to CO 2 laser conizations. Critical tissue margins were easily identified by the pathologist. Compared to simple loop excisional cones, SDE saved greater than 2 cm3 of cervical stroma.