[Diagnosis and therapy of cervical intraepithelial dysplasia in Austria: a survey]

To assess the present state of diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in Austria.

100 questionnaires were sent to all departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Austria. The anonymous questionnaire consisted of 22 multiple choice questions. It was possible to choose one or more answers by ticking applicable boxes, with the option in individual cases of giving additional information in the form of free text.

55 (55%) departments returned their answered questionnaires, indicating growing consciousness of quality control in medicine. It was found that in the collection of cytologic specimens 67% of the departments used a wooden spatula and cotton swabs. Management of patients with Pap smears indicating low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and abnormal colposcopy, in 36 (65%) departments consisted of punch biopsy for histological diagnosis. After 3 recurrent Pap smears indicating LSIL, 76% of the hospitals treated such patients by conization, regardless of the histological grade of the lesion. Following inadequate resection of CIN III by conization, operative management of patients was the most commonly used regimen.

We regard the results of this survey as a basis for the development of further quality management strategies in the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Austria.