Radiofrequency treatment of cervical dysplasia

Such a method as radio wave treatment of cervical dysplasia is considered one of the most modern and unique. The procedure has proven itself well, due to its almost absolute non-traumatic nature, as well as the absence of pain and scars after treatment.

Radio wave surgery has been recognized as the most widely used procedure in the world for cervical diseases over the past decade. Healing after it occurs quickly, without bleeding or unpleasant consequences.

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Indications for radio wave treatment of cervical dysplasia

Radio wave treatment for dysplasia is carried out in the following cases:

• if during colposcopy a significant area of altered epithelial tissue with spread into the cervical canal is detected on the cervix;
• in case of cervical dysplasia of 2-3 degrees, which was confirmed by histology;
• if the Pap test confirmed the development of grade 2-3 dysplasia.

In addition to cervical dysplasia, the radio wave method is also prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:

• neck deformation;
• endometriosis;
• polyposis;
• cervical ectopia;
• cervical leukoplakia;
• vaginal cysts;
• hypertrophy of the neck.

In addition to the indications, there are also some contraindications to the radio wave procedure:

• infectious diseases of the cervix or uterus, inflammation of the vagina or appendages;
• cancerous tumor of the cervix, confirmed by histology.

Before starting treatment, the doctor must ensure that there are no inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs, and if there are any, prescribe appropriate therapy.

Radio wave treatment technique

The essence of the therapeutic effect of radio wave treatment is the use of high-frequency radio waves (from 3.8 to 4 MHz) - the doctor can make a non-contact incision with simultaneous coagulation of soft tissue. The cutting action of the wave is carried out by heat, which is released during the resistance of the tissue layers of the neck to directed radio waves. It is important that the affected and dying cellular structures have greater electrical resistance. The energy concentration is formed at the edge of the active electrode and provokes an increase in energy inside the cell at the molecular level, which contributes to tissue heating and the so-called "evaporation" of the cell. During the procedure, the electrode does not directly contact the tissue and does not heat up. Healthy cells are practically not affected.

During a radio wave surgery session, there is no painful muscle contraction or stimulation of nerve fibers.

Let us list the main positive aspects of the radio wave method:

• it is possible to control and minimize the degree of damage to nearby normal tissues;
• the procedure is virtually painless;
• there is no bleeding after treatment;
• healing occurs quickly and with minimal discomfort;
• Treatment can be prescribed to nulliparous patients.

Radio wave treatment is performed in the first phase of the cycle, after the end of the monthly bleeding. How is the procedure performed?

• The patient gives her consent to the treatment.
• The woman is asked to lie down on a chair.
• A plastic speculum that does not have electrical conductive properties is inserted into the vaginal cavity.
• The doctor removes the discharge by cleaning the vagina.
• The cervix is treated with Lugol's solution, which allows one to see where the areas of altered epithelial tissue are located.
• An electrode-diffuser is placed on the woman’s thigh in a specific place.
• The doctor gives a pain-relieving injection into the cervix.
• The electrode loop is placed at a distance of approximately 4 mm from the lesion border.
• A high-frequency current is applied to the loop: at this time, the doctor cuts out the necessary area approximately 6-8 mm deep.
• Using tweezers or special forceps, the removed tissue is removed from the cervix and sent for histological analysis.
• Coagulation of blood vessels is performed to prevent bleeding in the wound.

Complications and consequences of radio wave treatment of cervical dysplasia

The radio wave treatment procedure rarely ends with complications. Most often, recovery proceeds without problems and consequences. Only occasionally may symptoms such as minor brownish and pinkish discharge, as well as slight nagging pain in the lower abdomen, be observed. Such signs are not considered deviations from the norm and disappear on their own within a few days.

At the end of the treatment, the doctor gives the patient some recommendations regarding lifestyle during the recovery period (we will talk about them below). If the woman strictly follows all the suggested rules, then there will be no negative consequences after the treatment.

If such rules are ignored, complications may arise in the very near future after the procedure. Among them:

• cervical bleeding;
• infection;
• spasm of the cervical canal or external os;
• development of isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
• prolonged discharge mixed with blood.

According to statistics, such complications may occur in approximately 2% of cases of radio wave treatment.

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Rehabilitation period

After radio wave treatment, rehabilitation is relatively fast if the patient has not developed concomitant diseases of the genital area - for example, vaginitis, thrush, vaginal dysbacteriosis. If the woman has been identified with papillomavirus, she will need an additional course of treatment with antiviral drugs.

During wound healing, transparent, brownish or pink discharge may appear. After a few weeks, crusts may come off. At the beginning of the third week after the procedure, it is recommended to visit a doctor for a preventive examination: the doctor must monitor the process of wound healing.

In rare cases, the patient may be bothered by minor pain in the lower abdomen. If necessary, it is allowed to take drugs such as Ibuprofen (never aspirin). The use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs during this period is inappropriate.

For at least a month after the procedure, you should follow the doctor's recommendations regarding the rehabilitation period. If the patient notices an increase in temperature or severe bleeding accompanied by pain, you must immediately contact a doctor.

Complete regeneration of the epithelial cervical tissue occurs in different ways, depending on the scale of the intervention:

• after local impact, the healing period is from 5 to 7 days;
• After radio wave excision and conization the period can be extended to 30-40 days.

Recommendations after radio wave treatment of cervical dysplasia

• For 2 years, the patient should be regularly examined by a doctor and, if necessary, take the preventive treatment prescribed by him.
• Immediately after the procedure, for 2 weeks, you cannot take a bath, swim in a pool or other bodies of water, or visit a steam room.
• For 2 weeks, you should avoid lifting heavy objects, physical exertion and vigorous sports exercises.
• It is necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse for one to two months (depending on the doctor’s advice).
• For a month, you should not use tampons, douching or other vaginal products without a doctor's prescription.
• The first menstrual bleeding after radio wave treatment may be heavier than usual, which is not abnormal. However, excessive bleeding with blood clots, accompanied by pain, should be a reason to consult a doctor.
• You should also see a doctor if your body temperature suddenly rises without any apparent reason.

In most cases, women tolerate radio wave treatment easily - many leave the hospital within a few hours after the procedure. Despite the relative high cost of the intervention, radio wave treatment of cervical dysplasia has recently become the method of choice for many patients. And this is not surprising: the treatment is high-quality, fast and without negative consequences. Do not be afraid of the procedure - if you have any questions, contact the doctor who will perform the treatment: he will competently and carefully explain all the nuances of this method.