Objective: To evaluate regeneration in cervical craters following large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) and to investigate possible differential healing patterns depending on the cone's size.
Study design: A prospective study of 100 nulliparous women who underwent LLETZ. They underwent transvaginal scanning estimation of the cervical craters (diameter, depth) immediately post-operatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months. The crater dimensions of the women with the 25 largest cones were compared to those of the women with the 25 smallest cones in each of the above points of time.
Results: The mean crater size of all women at 12 months was significantly smaller from the crater size immediately post-operatively. Although, there was a statistically significant difference in mean crater dimensions between the two quartile groups immediately post-operatively, no difference was found at 6 and 12 months.
Conclusion: There is a healing process of the cervical crater, which is almost completed by the sixth post-treatment month. The defect remaining in the cervix is similar whether a large or small excision was performed.