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Colposcopy

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Office-Based Gynecologic Surgical Procedures

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Abstract

Cervical cancer affects approximately 530,000 women worldwide with 85 % of cases occurring within underdeveloped countries. In the USA and other developed regions, colposcopy is the primary diagnostic procedure used to evaluate cytologic abnormalities of the cervix and vagina. The main purpose of colposcopy is to effectively triage screening abnormalities by identifying and treating precancerous lesions thereby preventing the development of cervical or vaginal cancers. Colposcopy is a technique of visual pattern recognition of changes of color, contour, and vessel abnormalities after the application of dilute acetic acid and iodine solutions. Indications for colposcopy are established by the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology 2006 and updated 2012 Consensus Guidelines. Colposcopy performance is related to provider training but may be unsatisfactory even in experienced hands. There are several techniques and “tips and tricks” to aid the provider in performing an adequate exam, establishing a diagnosis, and minimizing complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1319 Punahou Street, 8th floor, Honolulu, HI, 96826, USA

    Robert J. Kim M.D.

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Correspondence to Robert J. Kim M.D. .

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  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecolog, Cleveland Clinic, Willoughby Hills, Ohio, USA

    Jonathan D. Emery

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Marie Fidela R. Paraiso

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Kim, R.J. (2015). Colposcopy. In: Emery, J., Paraiso, M. (eds) Office-Based Gynecologic Surgical Procedures. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1414-2_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1414-2_15

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