[Loop conization of cervix uteri in gynecological practice]

Loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) in Danish office gynaecology was introduced in April 1992. This paper gives a retrospective survey of 1388 LEEP performed on 1347 patients out of an estimated number of 1483 LEEP on a nationwide basis in private gynaecological practice until the end of March 1996. At the end of the study period 46% of full-time-practices performed the operation. Indications were almost exclusively CIN. The complication rate was 10.5% in this introductory period, mainly as relatively modest postoperative bleeding. Almost all patients were preoperatively assessed by cervical biopsies and/or endocervical curettage, and information on preoperative colposcopy was obtained in 96.2% of the procedures. Unsuspected invasion was found in 2.3%. Cure-rate/LEEP was 92.5% at four-month follow-up and 89.4% at 16-month follow-up. We conclude that the method, even in the introductory period of an office setting, has acceptable complication and cure rates. Postoperative follow-up, however, is mandatory.