Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
Diathermy loop excision - also known as Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone (LLETZ) - is a treatment to remove abnormal cells from the neck of the womb (uterine cervix) using a heated wire loop. It is commonly done under local anaesthetic (i.e., you are awake) in the colposcopy clinic and usually takes about 10 minutes.
You may experience stinging/discomfort while the local anaesthetic is injected into your cervix. However, this only lasts for a very short time until the local anaesthetic takes effect.
Occasionally, it may be necessary to do the treatment under general anaesthesia (i.e., you are asleep) in the day surgery unit, if the procedure is likely to be difficult or if you are unable to tolerate it whilst awake. We will schedule the date and time of the procedure and advise you of this.
Any tissue removed will be sent to the laboratory for testing.
What are the benefits of the treatment?
It is 90-95% effective in removing all the abnormal cells. However, it is important to havea follow-up smear and HPV testing after 6 to 12 months, this is known as a ‘test of cure’ screening.
What if I am on anti-coagulant medication (blood thinners)?
You should inform the colposcopy department if you are on any blood thinning medication, prior to your appointment, as we may ask you to stop taking this 72 hours before your treatment to avoid an increased risk of bleeding.
What are the risks of the procedure?
- Infection: around 5 out of 100 patients may develop an infection. If your vaginal discharge becomes smelly, green/yellow in colour and/or you develop a fever that you think is related to the treatment, you should contact the Colposcopy Clinic, the Urgent Care Gynae Unit or call 111.
- Bleeding: there's a small risk of bleeding, this is usually controlled during the procedure. However, if you are passing large clots or flood through a sanitary towel within 2 hours, please contact the Urgent Care Gynae Unit or call 111.
- The procedure does not affect your ability to conceive. However, if the depth of the tissue removed during LLETZ is more 10mm, it may lead to a weakening of the cervix, which in turn, may lead to premature birth in pregnancy. Please discuss this further with your Colposcopist if this concerns you.
- There is around a 1% risk of cervical stenosis, when the cervix closes over and sometimes repeat treatment is required.
Advice before treatment
- If you have a period on your appointment date, please call us for advice.
- If you are going abroad in the next 4 weeks, please contact us prior to your appointment
- You can and should eat and drink normally before coming to the appointment.
- If you have a coil (IUCD), the clinician may remove it during the LLETZ. As a precaution, please use an alternative method of contraception (condoms) for 10 days prior to your appointment and until you have your coil replaced.
Advice for after treatment
Most patients feel well enough to continue their daily routine - you can drive & resume work immediately. However, some patients feel a little shaky after treatment; in this case, we would advise you to take things easy for the rest of the day and consider arranging for a friend to accompany you home after treatment.
- - You can eat and drink normally.
- - Your cervix is susceptible to infection while healing. For this reason, we advise you to avoid:
- Vaginal sex
- Vaginal tampons
- Vaginal douching
- Swimming and long baths
- Strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.
- If you travel abroad, you may not be covered by insurance should any complications related to the treatment arise. Please check with your insurance company. We can reschedule your treatment if necessary.
What happens after the treatment?
You may suffer period pain or cramps for a few hours following the procedure for which you can take mild painkillers (ie. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen).
Bleeding/discharge - Initially, it is like a light period before changing to a pink, then brown discharge, which may last for up to a month.
Your next period may arrive earlier and be heavier than normal. Your periods will then return to normal.
When and where should I seek help?
If you have any of these symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding with blood clots the size of your palm.
- A smelly or offensive, green/yellow coloured discharge.
- A fever you feel is related to the treatment.
- Pain in the lower abdomen, not responding to simple painkillers.
you should contact the Colposcopy Clinic, the Urgent Care Gynae Unit, call 111 or attend A&E (contact numbers are below).
Will I have a follow-up appointment?
You will be invited for a follow-up ‘test of cure’ smear at 6 months. This will look for HPV and is usually carried out at your GP practice.
If the HPV test is negative, your next smear will be after 3 years.
Colposcopy unit contact numbers (9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday)
Wexham Park 0300 615 4526
Frimley Park 0300 613 4839
Urgent Care Gynaecology Contact numbers (8am – 8pm Monday - Sunday)
Wexham Park 0300 615 4429
Frimley Park 0300 613 6418
Other sources of information
www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Gynaecology service.
About this information
Service:
Gynaecology
Reference:
L/064
Approval date:
1 July 2025
Review date:
1 January 2028
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.