The outcome of pregnancy after large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix.

A retrospective case control study to assess the outcome of pregnancy after large loop excision of the transformation zone of cervix (LLETZ) was carried out. One hundred and nineteen women who had undergone LLETZ and delivered in Basildon District Hospital were identified between January 1995 and December 1998; 119 age- and parity-matched controls were selected. Variables included were miscarriages, preterm deliveries, gestation at delivery, onset of labour, length of labour, augmentation of labour, mode of delivery and birth weight. The miscarriage rate in the study and control group were 11.8% and 9.2%, respectively (P=0.53). The preterm delivery rate in the study and control group were 10.9% and 9.2%, respectively (P=0.67). There were fewer caesarean sections and more spontaneous vaginal deliveries in the study group. There were slightly more instrumental deliveries in the study group. From this study, it was concluded that LLETZ does not appear to have an adverse effect on the outcome of pregnancy.