A comparative study of efficacy and outcomes of large loop excision of the transformation zone procedure performed under general anaesthesia versus local anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Although Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines do not specify targets for mode of anaesthesia for large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) procedures, UK NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) guidelines recommend that >80% of LLETZ procedures be performed under local anaesthesia. There is a paucity of clinical data regarding both the proportion of women receiving general anaesthesia for treatment, factors underpinning this choice and the impact of mode of anaesthesia on treatment outcomes.

AIMS: To identify the proportion of women who have a LLETZ under general anaesthesia and to establish the impact of mode of anaesthesia on outcomes including treatment efficacy, overtreatment (negative histology), short-term morbidity and attendance for follow-up.

METHODS: Single-centre retrospective analysis of all women treated with LLETZ for suspected cervical dysplasia between 1, May 2005 and 1, May 2009.

RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of a total 465 LLETZ procedures were carried out under general anaesthesia, although the reason for anaesthesia choice was not recorded in 52% of cases. There were no significant differences in the primary outcomes of unclear LLETZ margins or negative LLETZ histology, or in the secondary outcomes of depth and surface area of LLETZ specimen, short-term morbidity or rates of incomplete follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Although reasons underpinning selection of anaesthesia mode remain elusive, at this centre, outcomes following LLETZ procedure for the management of suspected cervical dysplasia are not affected by the mode of anaesthesia used.