Large-loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) has become a po
pular treatment for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN
) before long-term effectiveness and safety have been fully evaluated.
Women who took part in a 1990 study of the procedure have been follow
ed-up by cervical cytology for longer than 2 years. The rate of recurr
ences and residual lesions was 5.0% in the first year and 0.6% in the
second year. LLETZ was also effective when used as a repeat procedure,
although the negative histology rate was much higher (4.7% for initia
l procedures and 20% for repeat procedures). 250 women from the origin
al study group of 1000 answered a questionnaire on fertility and menst
rual symptoms 3 years after LLETZ. We found no differences between the
se women and controls of the same age, living in the same geographical
area, with a history of negative cervical smears. LLETZ is a safe and
effective procedure with no effect on menstruation or fertility.