CHAPTER 4: SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER

PS 14: Cold Knife Conization 161PRACTICE SHEET 14: COLD KNIFE CONIZATIONCold knife conization is the surgical removal of a cone-shaped area of the cervix.It should be done by a specialist, and the patient should be given anaesthesia orsedation. This Practice Sheet is included to allow a first- or second-level health careprovider to explain to a patient, before she goes to hospital, how the procedure will beperformed, and to help her recover once she returns home.EXPLAINING THE PROCEDUREGive the woman as much information as you can on the procedure, the anaesthesia,and the possible side-effects and complications of surgery. The description below willhelp you answer any questions she may have.Before the woman goes to hospital1. The hospital staff will give her instructions for preparation: what clothing to takewith her and any medicines she needs to take beforehand. She will be told not toeat or drink anything in the 8 hours before surgery, and to bathe before going tohospital.PS 14Practice Sheet 14: Cold Knife ConizationThe operation2. General or regional anaesthesia will be used for the operation.3. The surgeon will insert a speculum to visualize the cervix.4. An iodine solution will be applied to highlight the abnormal areas, and the cervixwill be examined with a colposcope.5. A substance to reduce risk of heavy bleeding will be injected into the cervix. Orthe surgeon may suture the small arteries supplying the area to be removed.