Patient Information - Cautery to the Cervix (Cold Coagulation)
Cautery to the Cervix (Cold Coagulation)
Patient information leaflet
Gynaecology
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA
01322 428100
Author: Sabine Heshmati Team: Colposcopy CNS
Information accurate at time of going to print.
The purpose of this leaflet is to provide information on the general facts about your operation or condition. We hope to explain to you what your procedure entails and what will happen to you during and after your treatment.
The Procedure
This is a form of treatment used to destroy abnormal cell in the cervix
The Treatment
A preliminary vaginal examination is carried out. To prevent any discomfort local anaesthetic is injected with a very fine needle into the cervix. A hot probe is applied to the cervix to destroy the abnormal area. A nurse will be with you throughout the procedure. Some women are very sensitive to even touch the cervix and may have this procedure done under general anaesthesia which will be performed in the Day Care Unit.
After the treatment
Healing of the cervix will now commence. The new skin is very delicate and will bleed readily if disturbed in any way. You may have some vaginal bleeding a watery discharge which may last up to 4 weeks. This should not be heavier than a period or be offensive to smell. If you experience the latter this could be an infection and you should contact your GP who may prescribe antibiotics.
The following advice should promote healing:
Avoid sexual intercourse for 4 weeks or until the bleeding stops Refrain from swimming, horse riding vigorous exercise for 4 weeks Avoid using tampons for 4 weeks, use sanitary pads instead.
Shower daily rather than a bath as the latter may increase the risk of infection.
You may experience period-like abdominal pain. We would advise you to take mild painkillers such as Paracetamol
There may be a temporary change to the pattern of your periods You can continue with your daily routine straight away, little wobbly after the treatment. If this is the case, we would advise you to take things
easy for the rest of the day.
Please note 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.
Risks and Complications
This procedure has a 95% success rate, with the majority of women having no further abnormal smears.
If you experience heavy bleeding, please contact the Colposcopy clinic on the numbers given as you may be advised to return to colposcopy for a further review.
Follow up and results
Your GP will be sent a copy of the results with the clinic letter. You will receive a letter informing you of the result and follow up arrangement s. This can take up to 6 weeks. We are unable to give your results over the phone.
Useful contacts
If there is anything you do not understand or if you have any questions, please contact us on the following telephone numbers:
Colposcopy Nurse Specialist:
01322428447
Colposcopy Secretary:
01322 428447
Useful websites
Women talking about their experiences of cervical screening: www.healthtalkonline.org www.bsccp.org.uk www.cancersscreening .nhs.uk
Further information can be obtained from NHS 111. Telephone 111 or go to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
This leaflet has been developed in partnership with the Patient Information Group and our DGT Patient Partners
Patient Information
Further patient leaflets are available from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust website: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets Please ask a member of staff if you require information in another language or format.
Complaints, Comments, Concerns and Compliments
Please speak to the staff in the ward or department caring for you if you have any concerns or questions relating to your care or that of a loved one.
Compliments can be shared by visiting: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/contact-us/compliments
Alternatively, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01322 428382 Email: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Patient Property
Please do not bring large sums of money or valuable items into the hospital. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property unless it is handed into Trust staff for safe-keeping.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust operate smoke-free hospitals. This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere on hospital grounds. For help to quit smoking please visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/one-you-smokefree/
Use of alcohol or illicit drugs is not permitted anywhere on the hospital site. For drug and alcohol support please speak to your nurse or doctor or
Visit: www.changegrowlive.org/westkent/help
Call: 0330 128 1113
Reference Number:
First published: Last Reviewed: Next review date:
13/10/2009 02/2018 Feb - 2026