LEAFLET ON HAVING A LLETZ LOOP CONE BIOPSY

You are due to have a Lletz Loop Cone Biopsy on _____________________. You will be having the procedure because you were found to have condition called Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia at your recent colposcopy. This leaflet will help you to understand what happens to you during and after the operation. I would also like you to know that if you have any worries or questions about your operation please feel free to telephone me on the above numbers.

THE OPERATION

The operation is performed under a local or general anaesthetic. Under Local, the procedure is performed at my rooms. Under General, the procedure is done either at the Southern Cross or at Braemar Hospitals. I will usually be able to gauge at the time of your colposcopy whether you are suitable for a local anaesthetic.

AFTER THE OPERATION

When the anaesthetic has worn off you may be in pain. The pain can be like a strong crampy period pain. We like to act early to reduce your pain. You can help us to do this by telling us how strong the pain is. We use a pain score numbered 0 – 10

(0 = NO PAIN) (10 = VERY STRONG PAIN)

*I can give you pain killers in hospital and you will be offered pain killers to take home with you. Usually Paracetamol is adequate. You may take Paracetamol every 4 hours if need but no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

*I suggest you should have someone to collect you after your operation. Please remember that you must not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after an anaesthetic. It is essential that you are not alone on the first night after your operation.

*You should try to have 2 days of rest with no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

*You may have some bleeding after the operation. This may last only a few days or slight bleeding may continue until your next period. You should use sanitary towels initially, then providing there is no discomfort and that bleeding is not heavy, you may use tampons. If you have heavy bleeding, bad pain, a smelly vaginal discharge or a temperature you should contact me or your doctor.

*It is important to prevent any infection after your operation. Good personal hygiene is important. Where possible a daily bath or shower is best. Also we advise that you do not have sexual intercourse for 1 week or until the bleeding has stopped. After a hysteroscopy, there is a possibility of getting a urine infection. Watch out for cystitis and if it does occur, drink plenty of fluid. If symptoms persist, see me or your GP.

The risks of this procedure are minimal, but very, very occasionally a small hole may be made in the womb. If this happens, the doctors may need to make a cut on your abdomen to repair the hole. This will mean that you will have to stay in hospital for a few more days.

DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL

It is aimed that the procedure is done as a day stay and most patients go home the same day.

If you have problems such as bad pain, increased bleeding, temperature, or generally feeling unwell please contact me or your GP. Remember to keep this leaflet to show to your GP.

PLEASE BRING THIS LEAFLET WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE ADMITTED.

PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS LEAFLET IS GIVEN AS LONG AS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IS GIVEN TO MR.N.APPANNA