Conization (LEEP/LLETZ/Cold Knife)

Conization is a surgical procedure in which the altered part of the cervix is removed following confirmed changes on biopsy after an abnormal Pap result (e.g., CIN 2, CIN 3, HSIL). At Polyclinic Cito the procedure is performed under controlled conditions, with anesthesiologist supervision and a clearly agreed follow-up plan. 

Page Overview

What is conisation?

Conisation is a gynaecological procedure that surgically removes the cone-shaped part of the cervix in which cell changes have been detected. The procedure is most often performed after an abnormal Pap result and confirmed changes such as CIN 2, CIN 3 or HSIL, in order to prevent the development of more serious lesions and cervical cancer.

During the procedure the doctor precisely removes the altered tissue, while striving to preserve as much of the healthy part of the cervix as possible. In this way a single act achieves both the diagnostic (histopathological analysis) and the therapeutic value of the procedure.

Key features of the procedure

  • Removal of the part of the cervix with confirmed changes
  • Histopathological analysis of the removed tissue and a precise diagnosis
  • Reduced risk of developing more serious lesions and cervical cancer
  • The procedure in controlled conditions with anaesthetic  supervision

When is conisation recommended?

Conisation is recommended when the findings point to high-grade changes on the cervix, especially after repeated abnormal Pap results and colposcopy. The decision about the procedure is made individually, taking into account the patient's age, the findings, pregnancy planning and other risk factors.

The expected results and further recommendations depend on the final histopathological findings. Once the findings are ready, the gynaecologist goes through all the steps with you - whether only regular monitoring, further tests or possibly additional procedures are needed. The most common situations in which we recommend conisation: 

  • Repeated abnormal Pap results (e.g. HSIL)
  • Histopathologically confirmed CIN 2 or CIN 3 changes
  • Suspicion of pre-malignant or early malignant changes of the cervix
  • A discrepancy between the Pap result, colposcopy and biopsy
  • The need for more precise diagnosis of changes on the cervix

What are the benefits of conisation?

Targeted removal of altered tissue

Conisation makes it possible to remove exactly the part of the cervix where the changes were detected, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure

The removed tissue is sent for histopathological analysis, so that the same procedure provides an accurate diagnosis and removes the cause of the changes.

A short stay and recovery

The procedure is most often performed as part of the day hospital, under the supervision of an anaesthetist. You usually go home the same day, with clear instructions for recovery and further follow-ups.

What does the procedure look like - step by step

1. Preparation and admission

Brief administrative processing, a conversation with the gynaecologist and anaesthetist, a review of previous findings (Pap, colposcopy, biopsy) and current therapy.

2. Anaesthesia and the start of the procedure

The procedure is most often performed under brief general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia, so that you do not feel pain. After the operating field is prepared, the cervix is accessed.

3. Removal of the altered part of the cervix

Using special instruments, the doctor removes the cone-shaped part of the cervix containing the changes. The removed tissue is labelled and sent for histopathological analysis.

4. Recovery and discharge

After the procedure you rest in the day hospital under the supervision of staff. Before discharge you receive a written report, instructions for recovery and information on when to expect the histopathological findings and a follow-up examination.

At Cito Polyclinic, conisation is performed in the operating theatre, with an anaesthetist present and monitoring of vital functions.

Preparing for the conisation procedure 

You will receive detailed preparation instructions when the procedure is arranged, and they are tailored to your general state of health and the therapy you take. As a rule the procedure is planned for a particular phase of the cycle, and the recommendations may include temporarily adjusting certain medicines. Preparation includes: 

  • Bringing earlier Pap results, colposcopy and any biopsies
  • Informing the doctor about existing illnesses and regular therapy
  • Possible laboratory or other pre-operative work-up as instructed
  • Arranging to come with someone to accompany you, especially if general anaesthesia is used

Note: You will receive precise instructions about eating, drinking and medicines before the procedure from our team.

Recovery after conisation

Most patients feel well within a few hours of the procedure and go home the same day. Recovery is individual, but a few days of mild discomfort or scant bleeding/discharge is usual.

  • Light activities are usually possible within 1-2 days
  • More strenuous physical exertion and lifting are temporarily avoided
  • Baths, swimming pools and tampons are usually not recommended for some time after the procedure
  • Sexual intercourse is postponed as instructed by the gynaecologist
  • In the event of heavier bleeding, a raised temperature or more severe pain - you should contact your doctor

The difference between classic conisation and LLETZ (LEEP)?

Classic conisation:

  • removal of a cone of tissue with a scalpel
  • somewhat greater intraoperative bleeding, often requiring a conventional suture; recovery is somewhat longer
  • an advantage for more extensive, more suspicious or irregularly located lesions when a larger and deeper sample of the cervix is needed

LLETZ (LEEP):

  • removal of tissue with an electrified wire loop that simultaneously cuts and coagulates
  • less bleeding, because the small vessels are sealed immediately; the procedure is shorter, and recovery is usually faster and easier
  • most often used for clearly defined changes (CIN 2/3) that are well visualised on colposcopy, with the aim of removing the minimum necessary amount of tissue

Regardless of the chosen method, the goal is the same - to safely remove the altered tissue and reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, with as little impact as possible on the function of the cervix. Based on the Pap and HPV results, colposcopy, the extent of the lesion, the patient's age and pregnancy planning, the gynaecologist will assess for each individual case which method is the safest and most appropriate approach for you

Why choose Cito Polyclinic for conisation?

Conisation requires the coordinated work of gynaecologists, anaesthetists and a well-organised day hospital. At Cito Polyclinic you have all these steps in one place, with clear guidance through the whole process - from the first examination to the follow-up findings.

An experienced expert team

Specialists in gynaecology and obstetrics with experience in diagnosing and treating changes of the cervix and in working with patients after abnormal Pap results.

Anaesthetic supervision and a day hospital

Every procedure is accompanied by an anaesthetic team with modern monitoring, and recovery takes place in the calm environment of the day hospital with expert staff.

Advanced diagnostics

The use of advanced diagnostic methods and cooperation with histopathologists allow precise analysis of the removed tissue and clear planning of the next steps.

Quick appointments and clear instructions

An organised process without unnecessary waiting, with written and verbal instructions, and the option of additional consultations after the findings are received.

Price of the cervical conisation procedure 

The price of the procedure at Cito Polyclinic is 700-900 EUR depending on whether a classic conisation or LLETZ is required, and includes the surgical procedure in controlled conditions, anaesthetic monitoring and histopathological analysis of the removed tissue.

Before the procedure, a gynaecological examination and the necessary diagnostic work-up are carried out, which are charged separately, depending on the findings and individual indication.

You can get the exact price of the procedure for your case and the first available appointment straight away by phone on +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form.

Doctors

Our team of expert physicians

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service

When is conization recommended and which cervical changes does it treat?

It is recommended for confirmed CIN2/3 dysplasia or suspicion of microinvasion. The conical part of the cervix containing the lesion is removed for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

What does the procedure look like, is it done under anesthesia and how long is recovery?

The procedure is performed by LEEP/LLETZ or with a cold knife, under local or general anesthesia. Recovery takes 2–4 weeks with avoidance of strain and sexual intercourse.

What are the risks and possible complications after conization?

Bleeding, infection, cervical canal stenosis and, in rare cases, an increased risk of preterm birth due to cervical insufficiency.

How does conization affect future pregnancy and delivery?

Most pregnancies progress normally; for more extensive procedures, cervical cerclage and intensified pregnancy monitoring are considered.

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