Cervical lesions treatment linked to pregnancy complications
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Cervical dysplasia is considered to a precancer stage of cervical cancer. It is characterized by abnormal cells and lesions in the cervix. If left untreated, these lesions can develop into cervical cancer. Several methods are used to treat cervical dysplasia and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is among the most popular. The procedure uses a low-voltage electric wire loop to remove abnormal cells in the cervical walls. It has been considered to be a safe and risk-free procedure even during pregnancy.
However, a British study indicates that performing LEEP in pregnant women to get rid of lesions may actually significantly increase the risk for pregnancy complications. These complications include preterm labor and delivery (70% increase in risk) and delivery of infants with low birth weight (82% increase in risk). Although other procedures (e.d. laser or cold knife conization) presented risks as well, LEEP seems to have the worst risk profile of all.
The researchers recommend that LEEP should not be performed in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary and only in cases of high-grade precancerous lesions.
Source: Health Day News
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