Cervical conization

Cervical conization (CPT codes 57520(Cold Knife) and 57522(Loop Excision)) refers to an excision of a cone-shaped sample of tissue from the mucous membrane of the cervix. Conization may be used either for diagnostic purposes as part of a biopsy, or for therapeutic purposes to remove pre-cancerous cells.

Types include:
 * cold knife conization (CKC). Usually outpatient, occasionally inpatient.
 * loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP). Usually outpatient.

Conization of the cervix is a common treatment for dysplasia following abnormal results from a pap smear.

Side effects
Side effects of the treatment may include cervical stenosis with resulting hematometra (collection of blood in uterus). This procedure may increase the risk of incompetent cervix.