Comparison of recurrence rates with contour-loop excision of the transformation zone (C-LETZ) and large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) for CIN

Abstract

Aim: To compare recurrence rates of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) with those of contour-loop excision of the transformation zone (C-LETZ) in the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Materials and Methods: The medical records of 177 patients treated consecutively by LLETZ and C-LETZ for CIN at Rajavithi Hospital between 2006 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of the 87 women in the C-LETZ group, 2 cases (2.30%) had recurrence compared with 13 cases (14.4%) of the 90 women in the LLETZ group, the higher recurrence rate in the latter being statistically significant (p<0.05). Median times of follow up in the C-LETZ and LLETZ groups were 12 months and 14 months respectively (p>0.05). The C-LETZ group showed less intraoperative bleeding compared to the LLETZ group, but the rate of achievement of single specimens and positive margins were similar in the two groups. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the superiority of C-LETZ over LLETZ in terms of efficacy; C-LLETZ is associated with a lower recurrence rate and also carries a smaller risk of intraoperative bleeding than LLETZ. The rotating technique still has a potential role in treating precancerous lesions of the cervix.