Cold Knife Conization

Cold knife conization is a procedure to remove the precancerous cells (dysplasia) of a woman’s cervix, which is the entrance to the womb or uterus. It is performed if a test called colposcopy cannot find the cause of an abnormal Pap smear. The procedure involves giving regional or general anesthesia, then cutting off a cone-shaped piece of tissue containing the abnormal cervical cells. Cold knife cone biopsies allow the surgeon to take a larger amount of tissue to examine. The cells are examined under a microscope for signs of disease. That may be all the treatment that is needed. Abnormal results mean that there are precancerous or cancerous cells within the cervix called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and additional treatment is needed. Along with lasers and loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP), conization is one of the physician’s options for treating dysplasia. Operative times for cone biopsy vary greatly, depending on the findings at the time of the procedure, but take less than one hour. Patients usually may return to work the following day but will experience intermittent cramping and bleeding. Patients will be advised to avoid heavy lifting and sexual intercourse during the few weeks after cold knife conization.

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women’s health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated gynecological concerns. We work closely with the UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology team to diagnose and treat your condition, using the latest and most accurate technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give you access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. Our physicians are here for you at all times, from your first routine gynecological exam, to delivering your baby, to guiding you through menopause. When you establish a relationship with our doctors, you can rely upon that relationship throughout your lifetime.

Videos

Resources

• Cold Knife Conization Procedure Guide
• UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• National Institutes of Health