Cervical Cautery

Cervical cautery is primarily used to treat cervical dysplasia, which refers to the presence of abnormal cells on the cervix. Dysplasia is often detected through cervical cancer screening tests, such as Pap smears or colposcopy. Cervical cautery aims to remove or destroy the abnormal cells, reducing the risk of their progression to cervical cancer.

When Should You Consider Cervical Cautery?

Cervical cautery is usually recommended if:

• Conservative Treatments Fail: If other treatments like medication or topical ointments do not resolve the issue.

• Persistent Symptoms: Women experiencing persistent symptoms like bleeding after intercourse, abnormal discharge, or chronic inflammation.

• Cervical Erosion: If cervical erosion is present and is causing discomfort or other symptoms.

Why is Cervical Cautery Done?

Cervical cautery is a medical procedure performed to treat various conditions affecting the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Here are some common reasons for doing cervical cautery:

1. Cervical Erosion: This occurs when the inner lining of the cervix becomes exposed and irritated. Cautery can help remove the damaged tissue, relieving symptoms like unusual discharge and bleeding.

2. Chronic Inflammation: If the cervix is persistently inflamed due to infections or irritation, cautery can help eliminate the unhealthy tissue and promote healing.

3. Abnormal Bleeding: Women who experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially between periods or after sex, may undergo cervical cautery to address the underlying causes.

4. Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, some women may have cervix-related issues. Cautery can assist in healing any abnormal tissue or inflammation.

5. Prevention of Further Issues: By treating these conditions, cervical cautery can help prevent more serious problems, such as cervical cancer, and maintain overall cervical health.

Types of Cervical Cautery

This procedure is a cervical cautery that removes or destroys abnormal tissue on the cervix. It has several methods, each with unique attributes. Here is a brief discussion of some methods of carrying out cervical cautery:  

• Electrocautery (Diathermy): This method involves using electrical current to produce internal heat that destroys the abnormal tissue. This technique has been very common and quite useful for different conditions on the cervix.   

• Cryotherapy: It destroys the abnormal tissues by freezing them with very cold substances like liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Usually used for a condition called cervical ectropion.  

• Thermal Cautery: This method uses heat to remove tissue. Patients may feel a brief burning sensation during the procedure, which can be uncomfortable but typically lasts only a moment.

• Cryocautery: This technique involves freezing the affected tissue. Women undergoing this procedure may experience a cold or freezing sensation, which can feel unusual but is generally not painful.

• Chemical Cautery: In this method, a chemical solution is applied to the cervix. Some women report a slight stinging or burning feeling, similar to what one might feel with certain topical treatments. 

• Laser Cauterization: It vaporizes the unhealthy tissue using laser beams. This provides very specific tissue removal. 

Is Cervical Cautery Painful?

Cervical cautery is usually a well-tolerated procedure, though some women might feel mild discomfort or cramping during it. Pain levels during and after cervical cautery vary. Here's a brief overview:

During the procedure:

It may be similar to menstrual cramps, depending on how one can tolerate it. But it will be with a local anesthetic; it will help lower the pain. Cryotherapy feels cold, while electrocautery may feel warm.

After the procedure:

Mild cramping for hours or days relieved by over-the-counter pain meds. Watery, blood-tinged discharge is normal for weeks. Some women may have mild pelvic pain.

Tips For After Cervical Cautery Care

Proper aftercare is vital for recovery and avoiding complications after cervical cautery. Here are some vital points to note: 

• Expect blood-tinged, watery, sometimes yellowish discharge for weeks after the procedure, so use pads, not tampons. 

• For cramping, OTC painkillers like ibuprofen will work wonders. 

• Rest well and refrain from strenuous activities. 

• No sex, no douching or tampons for weeks. 

• No swimming, no hot tubs, heavy lifting, or exercising. 

• If you have heavy bleeding, a foul smell from your discharge, as well as severe pain or fever, contact your doctor. 

• Attend the follow-up appointments and regular pap test checks.

What are the Risks of Cervical Cautery?

Although cervical cautery is generally safe, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These include:

• Infection: There is a small risk of infection after the procedure. Signs of infection include fever, foul-smelling discharge, or severe pelvic pain.

• Scarring: In rare cases, scarring may occur on the cervix, which could lead to complications such as difficulty opening the cervix during childbirth.

• Heavy Bleeding: While light bleeding is common, heavy bleeding that requires medical attention is rare but possible.

Benefits of Cervical Cautery

Cervical cautery offers several benefits, including:

• Symptom Relief: It helps relieve symptoms like abnormal discharge or post-intercourse bleeding caused by cervical erosion or inflammation.

• Non-invasive: The procedure is relatively non-invasive, quick, and can often be performed in a doctor’s office.

• Promotes Healing: By removing damaged tissue, cautery encourages the growth of healthy, new tissue, helping to restore the cervix’s normal function.

The procedure of Cervical cautery includes following steps:

1. Preparation: Prior to the procedure of Cervical cautery, the healthcare provider will explain the details and potential risks of the procedure. They may also perform a physical examination to assess the cervix's appearance and determine the extent of the abnormality.

2. Anaesthesia: Depending on the specific case, local or general anaesthesia may be administered. Local anaesthesia involves numbing the cervix, while general anaesthesia ensures the patient remains asleep during the procedure.

3. Cervical Cautery: The healthcare provider uses a specialised instrument, such as a probe or loop electrode, to apply heat or electrical energy to the abnormal cervical tissue. This energy destroys or removes the targeted cells. The procedure can be performed using different techniques, including thermal cautery, cold coagulation, or laser ablation.

4. Recovery and Follow-up: After the procedure of Cervical cautery, the patient may experience mild cramping or vaginal discharge, which usually resolves within a few days. It is essential to follow the healthcare provider's post-procedure instructions, which may include refraining from sexual activity or using tampons for a specified period. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess the treatment's effectiveness and monitor the patient's cervical health.