Excisional cervical biopsy

An excisional biopsy of the cervix may be done after a cervical cancer screening test found a problem. It may be done:

• To remove and examine the abnormal tissue.
• To diagnose the cause of the abnormal cell changes and remove the abnormal tissue at the same time.
• To determine the extent, depth, and severity of the abnormal tissue.

An excisional biopsy of the cervix is usually done as an outpatient procedure. You do not have to spend a night in the hospital.

The hospital or surgery center may send you instructions on how to get ready for your procedure. Or a nurse may call you with instructions before your procedure.

You will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an exam table with your feet supported by footrests. Your doctor will place a lubricated tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum opens the vagina a little bit, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.

You may get numbing medicine injected into the cervix. And you may get medicine to help you relax. But in some cases, you may get medicine that makes you unconscious. Or you may get medicine that makes the entire area numb.

There are a few ways the doctor can remove the tissue from the cervix. One way is to use a surgical knife called a scalpel. Another way is to use a thin wire loop that's charged with electricity. This is called a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Or the doctor can use a laser.

Right after the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. You may be able to go home right away. Or you may stay in the recovery area for 1 to 4 hours. Then you will go home.

This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Tell your doctor if:
  • You are having your menstrual period.
  • You are or might be pregnant. A blood or urine test may be done to see if you are pregnant.
• Ask your doctor if you will need someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.