Optimal timing of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure according to different phases of the menstrual cycle.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether treatment of cervical precancerous lesions in the follicular phase or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle affects perioperative and postoperative blood loss during the LEEP.

METHODS

In this randomized trial, 73 patients were assigned to either the follicular phase group (n = 37) or the luteal phase group (n = 36). Ultimately, the conditions of 36 patients in the follicular phase group and 34 patients in the luteal phase group were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was median early postoperative blood loss. Secondary outcomes were median intraoperative bleeding, the rate of late postoperative bleeding, and persistent vaginal bleeding.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic data were similar in the two groups. Median intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the follicular phase group than in the luteal phase group (32.7 [20.1-78.3] vs. 44.6 [30.4-104.2] mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Median early postoperative blood loss was also lower in the follicular phase group than in the luteal phase group (209.2 [67.7-468.6] vs. 289.0 [120.3-552.8] mL, respectively; P = 0.01). Moreover, the rate of late postoperative bleeding was higher in the luteal phase group than in the follicular phase group (20.6% vs. 2.8%, respectively; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Performing LEEP during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle significantly reduces median intraoperative blood loss, early postoperative blood loss, and the rate of late postoperative blood loss.