Laser Treatment of the Cervix

What is Laser Treatment?
Laser is a very strong and thin beam of light that can be focused on pinpoint areas of skin or abnormal cells. It destroys abnormal cells by burning or vaporizing them. Normal cells nearby are not harmed.

Laser can be used to

• Treat "dysplasia" or abnormal cells with ablation or cone biopsy,
• Treat venereal warts

Some of the advantages of Laser are that

• It can be used to treat the abnormalities of the cervix, vulva and vagina
• Some laser treatment can be done in the outpatient clinic
• There is less damage to normal cells during the treatment
• There is usually less bleeding than with surgery

How is Laser done?
Laser treatment can be done in the office or in the operating room as out-patient surgery. You will be given medicine to decrease cramping and to numb the area to be treated (or to put you to sleep if the procedure is being done in the operating room). Everyone in the room will wear special glasses and surgical masks. Because Laser burns or vaporizes cells, there will be a small amount of smoke present. A smoke evacuator is used to remove the smoke from the air.

For laser ablation of the cervix (done in the clinic) the procedure may take approximately 5 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the abnormal area.

Recovery time is minimal. Most women leave within 10 minutes following the procedure.

Instructions after Laser Treatment of the Cervix

• You may have some vaginal discharge. It may be pink, blood tinged or dark brown. You may have spotting or bleeding for 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment. You should call a doctor if you soak greater than a maxi pad in one hour.
• You may have mild to moderate discomfort similar to menstrual cramps. You may take a pain medicine such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) as directed to relieve this discomfort.
• DO NOT have intercourse, douche or use tampons for three weeks, unless given other instructions by your doctor. This helps with healing and reduces the risk of bleeding or infection.
• You may take a tub bath or shower.
• You may return to work and your normal activities the day after your treatment.

If ANY of the following happen, please call the clinic immediately:

• Fever above 100 degrees or 38 degrees C.
• Vaginal bleeding heavier than a menstrual period or soaking of a maxi pad in one hour.
• Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by pain medicine.
• If you normally have monthly periods but the next month you do not have a period, please call.

Additional Instructions
Follow-up Pap smears are recommended 6 months and 12 months - treatment, then annually if normal.

If you are having your period on this appointment date please call and reschedule your pap smear.

If you have questions or problems about your laser treatment, please call the following number and ask for a laser nurse:
OB-GYN Clinic (319) 356-2294, (8:00 a.m. to 5 :00 p.m., Monday through Friday)
On weekends or after 5:00 p.m., please call the following number and ask for the gynecology resident on call: The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (319) 356-1616.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004