Objective: We sought to determine the value of conization margin status in predicting residual and recurrent adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS) of the cervix.
Study design: In all, 33 studies (1278 patients) were identified. Metaanalysis with pooled Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (OR) was used to compare the risk of residual and recurrent disease according to margin status.
Results: A repeated excisional procedure was performed in 607 patients; a positive conization margin was associated with a significant increase in the risk of residual disease (OR, 4.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.62-6.33; P < .001). Of the 671 patients followed up with surveillance only, 2.6% with negative margins and 19.4% with positive margins developed a recurrence (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.05-6.22; P < .001). Invasive adenocarcinoma was more commonly associated with positive margins (5.2%) compared with negative margins (0.1%).
Conclusion: After conization for ACIS, patients with positive margins are significantly more likely to have residual or recurrent disease, whereas those with negative margins may be treated conservatively.