Colposcopists' practice patterns in Latin America: An international cross-sectional survey

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cervical cancer remains a global public health concern.
• Colposcopy is crucial for diagnosing preinvasive cervical disease.
• Practice variations and training differences impact colposcopy's effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe current colposcopy practice patterns among gynecologists in Latin America.
• To identify variations in colposcopy performance, diagnosis, and treatment decisions.
• To assess adherence to established international guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was administered to 2217 gynecologists in the Latin American Federation of Lower Genital Tract Pathology and Colposcopy (FLPTGIC).
• A 60-item questionnaire, piloted with 40 physicians, was used to collect data.
• The survey was conducted voluntarily between April 2024 and January 2025, yielding 787 responses (35.49% response rate).

Main Results:

• Most respondents (98.68%) performed cervical assessments post-acetic acid; 49.94% routinely used Lugol's iodine.
• Over 90% examined the vulva and 68.74% the vagina during colposcopy.
• Less than half consistently used the Rio 2011 Nomenclature, and only 37.48% followed ASCCP guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Significant heterogeneity exists in colposcopy training, practice, and therapeutic decisions for preinvasive cervical disease in Latin America.
• Despite established standards, practice patterns diverge, impacting diagnostic consistency.
• Standardization efforts are needed to improve the quality and uniformity of colposcopy services in the region.