Benefits of Direct Colposcopic Vision for Optimal LLETZ Procedure: A Prospective Multicenter Study

International audience; Objective The aim of the study was to assess whether direct colposcopic ă vision (DCV) of the cervix during large loop excision of the ă transformation zone (LLETZ) is associated with a decrease in the volume ă and dimensions of specimens or affects margin status at histology. ă Materials and Methods A prospective multicenter observational study of ă 216 women who underwent LLETZ for grades 2 and 3 cervical ă intraepithelial neoplasia was conducted. The volume and dimensions ă (circumference, length, and thickness) of the surgical specimens were ă measured before fixation. Data were compared according to the use of ă colposcopy during LLETZ. The following 3 groups were considered: LLETZ ă performed without colposcopy (n = 91), LLETZ performed immediately after ă colposcopy (n = 51), and LLETZ performed under DCV (n = 74). ă Results Patient characteristics were comparable with regard to age, ă parity, history of excision, indication of the procedure, and the size ă of the cervix. We found a significant decrease in all dimensions of the ă specimens obtained under DCV (p < .001). Margin status was not affected. ă After adjusting for confounders, the mean volumes were significantly ă lower in the DCV group (adjusted mean difference = -0.66 mL; 95% CI = ă -1.17 to -0.14). The probability that negative margins would be achieved ă together with the attainment of a volume less than 5 mL and a thickness ă less than 10 mm was the highest in the DCV group (adjusted OR = 2.80; ă 95% CI = 1.13 to 6.90). ă Conclusions Direct colposcopic vision is associated with a significant ă decrease in the volume and in all dimensions of LLETZ specimens with no ă compromise in the margin status.