A cold knife cone biopsy (CKC) is a procedure to obtain a sample of abnormal tissue from the cervix for further examination. This procedure obtains a larger sample than other biopsy methods (cervical punch biopsy or colposcopy directed biopsy). An alternative procedure known as the LEEP (loop electrocautery excisional procedure) uses electric current instead of a knife (scalpel) to remove the cervical tissue.

A CKC is a surgical procedure performed in the hospital or outpatient facility under either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The purpose of this procedure is to diagnose and treat precancerous changes (dysplasia) in the cervix.

A small cone-shaped sample of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined under a microscope for any signs of cancer. This biopsy may also serve as the treatment if all of the diseased tissue is removed.

As with any procedure performed under anesthesia, fasting for 6 to 8 hours is necessary. You must sign an informed consent form. The procedure is considered an outpatient (same day) procedure.

After the procedure, there may be some cramping or discomfort for a week or more. Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, and use of tampons for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Your physician will tell you when it is safe to resume these activities. During the first 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, you may have heavy bleeding or a yellow-colored discharge. This may last for up to 4 to 6 weeks. Contact your physician if you have vaginal bleeding which fills more than three pads per hour, foul-odored or green colored vaginal discharge, severe abdominal pain, fevers of 100.8 or greater, or vomiting.

The risks of the procedure include extensive bleeding and infection, cervical scarring, and cervical incompetence. Cervical scarring occasionally causes painful menstrual cycles or  difficultly in evaluating abnormal Pap smears. This scarring may also make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant. A CKC may also be associated with cervical incompetence, a condition that may result in premature delivery.

To view diagrams of this procedure, please click on the links below:

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/Cold-cone-removal.htm?once=true

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/Cold-cone-biopsy.htm?once=true

http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/Uterus.htm?once=true