Objectives: Good surgical technique and other interventions can reduce immediate and long-term blood loss which is a common complication of surgery for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of interventions to reduce blood loss due to surgery for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia.
Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group trials register.
Selection criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of vasopressin, tranexamic acid, haemostatic sutures or Monsel's solution in women who have had surgery for intra-epithelial neoplasia.
Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers independently abstracted data.
Main results: Seven trials were included. Vasopressin had a beneficial effect on peri-operative bleeding. Prophylactic tranexamic acid reduced haemorrhage after knife and laser cone biopsy. Packing with Monsel's solution resulted in less peri-operative blood loss and secondary haemorrhages than routine suturing. Elective suturing also appeared to increase the risk of amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. Vaginal packing increased satisfactory colposcopy rates at follow-up and reduced post-surgical stenosis.
Reviewer's conclusions: Bleeding associated with surgery of the cervix appears to be reduced by vasopressin, which is used under local rather than general anaesthetic. Tranexamic acid appears to be beneficial after knife and laser cone biopsy. There are not enough data to assess the effects on primary haemorrhage. There is some evidence that haemostatic suturing has an adverse effect on blood loss, cervical stenosis and satisfactory colposcopy.