[Stage 3 intra-epithelial cervical neoplasms. Conservative treatment using CO2 lasers or conization: analysis of 2...

Sixty four patients with stage III intra-epithelial neoplasia were seen in colposcopic clinic during a two years period. All were followed up for a minimum of 1 year (ranging 1 to 3 years). 28 patients 43.8%) were treated using the carbon dioxide laser in an ambulatory setting. In 36 patients (56.2%) a cone biopsy was first performed for therapy. Following laser treatment the failure rate is 7%, the failure and recurrence rate 14%. The CO2 laser appears to be an acceptable procedure for C.I.N. III lesions in young women. Selection of lesions is of paramount importance and should be able to reduce the number of therapeutic conizations.