The essential place of colposcopy in gynaecological practice

If routine cytoloical examination of a cervical smear reveals an abnormality short of invasive carcinoma, colposcopic examination, plus directed biopsy of the cervix, is the procedure of choice. Cytological examination is a laboratory technique, whereas colposcopy is a clinical diagnostic method. When the latter is used, anaesthesia and hospital admission are not required, and the hazards and limitations of cone biopsy of the cervix are avoided. The technique of colposcopy is a significant advance in gynaecology, and training in this method should be part of the curriculum for a higher qualification in gynaecology.