Colposcopy and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure: A Simulated Exercise

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 is associated with a high degree of progression to cervical cancer. Its risk is markedly reduced after excisional treatment. Hence, it is critical that providers accurately diagnose and treat this condition. We present a simulation-based module focused on resident mastery of performance of colposcopy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

Learners were obstetrics and gynecology residents. Guidelines on performance of colposcopy and LEEP were presented prior to module participation. We used pelvic task trainers, kielbasa sausages, and routine equipment for performance of colposcopy and LEEP. Colposcopy and LEEP sessions each lasted 30 minutes. Learners completed questionnaires before and after regarding comfort level on aspects of colposcopy and LEEP performance and level of agreement with statements on performing procedures independently. Comfort levels and degrees of agreement were based on 5-point Likert scales (1 = very uncomfortable/strongly disagree, 3 = neither comfortable nor uncomfortable/neutral, 5 = very comfortable/strongly agree, respectively).

Modules were held in November 2021 and May 2022. Thirty-four residents participated. Mean comfort scores significantly increased from 3.1 to 4.3 (p < .001) before and after the module for all steps. There was an increase in level of agreement with statements on being able to independently perform colposcopy (2.2 to 3.5, p < .01) and LEEP (2.9 to 3.6, p = .06).

Simulation-based modules on performance of colposcopy and LEEP significantly increased resident learner comfort in the performance of these procedures. Comfort in performing these procedures is important in providing comprehensive gynecologic care.