Influence of loop conization on patients' postoperative sexual function and quality of life

Introduction: Due to increasing incidence of cervical dyplasia and HPV infection rates the amount of conization of the cervix is rising in gynecological surgical procedures. At the time of operation, the majority of patients are premenopausal and sexually active. Hence detailed counseling about the effects of conization on postoperative sexuality and quality of life can be regarded as an integral part in the preoperative counseling. However, available data on these subjects are limited and contradictory.

Material and methods: All women who underwent electrical loop conization between April 2013 and April 2014 at the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Saarland University Hospital were enrolled in this observational cohort study. Sexuality and quality of life were assessed for the pre- and postoperative (six month postoperatively) status using two standardized validated questionnaires the FSFI a multidimensional, self-reported instrument for the assessment of female sexual function and the EQ-5D a standardized, validated instrument to measure an individual's health status.

Results: Of 144 eligible patients, 84 completed the study. Pre- and postoperative FSFI and EQ-5D scores did not differ significantly.

Conclusions: In this cohort electrical loop conization did not have an impact on on postoperative sexual function and quality of life.