Cold knife cone biopsy--a valid diagnostic tool and treatment option for lesions of the cervix

We present a case series of cold knife cone biopsy with emphasis on validation of the technique for ongoing and future use. This involved: analysis of 100 cold knife cone biopsies performed between 1987 and 1997. Data were gathered relating to indications, technique, postoperative morbidity, histological findings and results of long-term follow-up. Mean age was 41.8 years, and mean parity 2. Smear abnormalities of moderate or severe dyskaryosis were present in 74% of cases, and glandular abnormalities in 8%. Colposcopic diagnosis of CIN II-III was made in 55% of cases, and invasion suspected in 12%. The main indications for conisation were inability to visualise the entire squamocolumnar junction (64%), disparity in cytological and colposcopic findings (26%), and colposcopic suspicion of invasion (12%). Mean blood loss was 90 ml. One patient (1%) required hysterectomy and blood transfusion to control secondary haemorrhage. Postoperative infection occurred in 5%, and cervical stenosis in 3%. All specimens were adequate for histopathological evaluation, including the margin, CIN was histologically proven in 67% of specimens, microinvasion in 4%, adenocarcinoma in-situ in 3%, and invasion in 3%. During a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (range 1.5-11 years), cure rate after complete excision was 97% and after incomplete excision was 85% (P > 0.05) Despite the advent of alternative methods of treatment, cold knife cone biopsy remains an acceptable option in the management of CIN and microinvasion of the cervix. There are valid indications for the technique. When properly performed, it gives accurate representation of the disease process, has low risk of complications and is curative in most cases.