Cervical Cone Biopsy
A Cervical Cone Biopsy is called a cone biopsy because a cone-shaped wedge of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined under a microscope. A cone biopsy removes abnormal tissue that is high in the cervical canal. A small amount of normal tissue around the cone-shaped wedge of abnormal tissue is also removed so that a margin free of abnormal cells is left in the cervix.
Preparation for Bladder Repair (For Incontinence)
Your health care provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medications to take or not take on the day of your surgery before surgery; you will need to obtain clearance from your regular doctor if you have medical problems. You may be required to obtain some basic tests for screening before the surgery. Basic blood tests, a chest x-ray, and an EKG may be required depending on your health.
Cervical Cone Biopsy Procedure
A Cervical Cone Biopsy is usually done as an outpatient procedure. You do not have to spend a night in the hospital.
The hospital or surgery center may send you instructions on how to get ready for your surgery. Or a nurse may call you with instructions before your surgery.
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an exam table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups). Your doctor will insert a lubricated tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.
Medicine that makes you unconscious (general anesthesia) or that makes the entire genital area numb (regional anesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural) may be used.
A cone biopsy using LEEP may be done in your doctor’s office with an injected medicine that numbs the cervix (cervical block). If a cervical block is used, an oral pain medicine or pain medicine given into a vein (intravenous, or IV) may be used along with the local anesthetic.
What to Expect After Surgery
Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. You likely will stay in the recovery area for 1 to 4 hours, and then you will go home. In addition to any special instructions from your doctor, your nurse will explain information to help you in your recovery. You will likely go home with a sheet of care instructions that include who to contact if a problem comes up.
Most women are able to return to their normal activity level in 1 week.
After a cone biopsy:
- Some vaginal bleeding is normal for up to 1 week.
- Some vaginal spotting or discharge (bloody or dark brown) may occur for about 3 weeks.
- Pads should be used instead of tampons for about 3 weeks.
- Sexual intercourse should be avoided for about 3 weeks.
- Douching should not be done.
Risks
A Cone Biopsy is a surgical procedure. With any surgery comes with risks. Although uncommon, potential complications may include:
- A few women may have serious bleeding that requires further treatment.
- Narrowing of the cervix (cervical stenosis) that causes infertility may occur (rare).
- Inability of the cervix to stay closed during pregnancy (incompetent cervix) may occur. Women who have had a cone biopsy may have an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm delivery.
Talk with your doctor to understand possible risks and benefits of surgery.