DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF CERVICAL INTRAEP ITHELIAL DYSPLASIA IN AUSTRIA

Purpose: To assess the present state of diagnosis, therapy and follow- up of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) in Austria. Material an d methods: 100 questionnaires were sent to all departments of Gynecolo gy and Obstetrics in Austria. The anonymous questionnaire consisted of 22 multiple choice questions. It was possible to choose one or more a nswers by ticking applicable boxes, with the option in individual case s of giving additional information in the form of free text. Results: 55 (55%) departments returned their answered questionnaires, indicatin g growing consciousness of quality control in medicine. It was found t hat in the collection of cytologic specimens 67% of the departments us ed 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 biops y for histological diagnosis. After 3 recurrent Pap smears indicating LSIL, 76% of the hospitals treated such patients by conization, regard less of the histological grade of the lesion. Following inadequate res ection of CIN ill by conization, operative management of patients was the most commonly used regimen. Conclusion: We regard the results of t his survey as a basis for the development of further quality managment strategies in the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of cervical intra epithelial neoplasia in Austria.