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ÃÛÌÒAPP > About ÃÛÌÒAPP Hospitals > Information leaflets and helpful resources > Colposcopy clinic – wire loop biopsy of cervix

Colposcopy clinic – wire loop biopsy of cervix

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  • When you attend the colposcopy clinic for treatment, a wire loop biopsy of cervix will be performed to remove a small portion of cervix containing the area where the abnormal cells identified on your cervical sample (smear) / biopsy originated from. 
  • This procedure takes approximately ten minutes. 
  • Your cervix will be injected with local anaesthetic to numb the area. Most people feel nothing at all and even those who do feel something, say the discomfort quickly disappears. The local anaesthetic has some side effects; such as feeling light-headed or making your heart beat quicker, these effects resolve very quickly.
  • As the treatment is carried out, you will be aware of the procedure, but you should feel no pain, if you do, tell the nurse who is with you.
  • The treatment is performed using an electrical machine so you will have a pad placed on your thigh to ensure the procedure is safe.
  • After the wire loop biopsy has removed the abnormal area, a small pen-like device is used to seal the area.
  • You will be given full written instructions telling you what to do and what to avoid, including contact telephone numbers.
  • All people will be informed of results by letter approximately 4 weeks after their appointment.

Summary

You can expect a bloody / watery vaginal discharge for 2 – 4 weeks following treatment, very rarely this lasts up to 6 weeks.  We ask you not to use tampons and not to have sexual intercourse for 4 weeks after treatment to reduce the chance of infection of the treated area.  We also ask you to avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after treatment (e.g., running) and avoid swimming while you have the discharge.

FOLLOW UP

  • It is vitally important you have your next cervical sample in six months’ time.
  • Most people will be discharged from the colposcopy clinic following treatment and advised to have follow-up samples in the community.
  • People who require follow-up in the colposcopy clinic will be sent an appointment.
  • As the local anaesthetic can make you feel light-headed, we would recommend you have something to eat before you attend for your treatment.
  • We would also recommend that you take some painkillers an hour before you attend as per the instructions on the package.
  • If you are not using contraception, please abstain from sexual intercourse or a use barrier method before your appointment date.
  • DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATION CONTAINING ASPIRIN.

If you have a holiday imminent you may wish to delay treatment until afterwards.  Please ring the Appointments Booking Centre on (0191) 2824444 to ensure your appointment is altered.

If you have any questions before your appointment, please telephone the Nurse Practitioners on (0191) 2825670 / 2820140

Leaflet reviewed by Sister Jilly Goodfellow Dec 2015 no change for review Dec 2018
Updated Sept 2020 – minor changes for review Sept 2023
No changes Sept 2023 review 2025
Updated July 2024 – minor changes for review July 2027