Cervical Conization

Abstract

Conization of the uterine cervix was first described by Lisfranc in 1815 and the techniques, indications, and adjunctive procedures have been modified significantly since that time. Simms, in 1861, sutured the cervix, and Sturmdorf, in 1916, described his inverting suture.⁸ The use of the cryostat for rapid diagnosis in conization specimens was popularized by Rutledge and Ibanez⁶ and conization was most frequently used for diagnosis of abnormal cervical cytological specimens during the late 1960s. However, many of the previous indications for conization have been supplemented by new procedures made available by technological advancement. Conization is rarely indicated for the repair of cervical lacerations, and cryosurgery has replaced it in the management of symptomatic chronic cervicitis. Likewise, colposcopy with directed biopsy has reduced the number of conizations performed in the investigation of abnormal cervical cytologies by 90% in most gynecology-oncology services today.