The infrared photocoagulator—evaluation of its potential for the treatment of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia

SummaryA new method of local ablative therapy for lesions of the cervix is presented. The potential of photocoagulation for the treatment of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) was assessed by application of this instrument to the cervix of patients before hysterectomy. The instrument was simple to use, painless to apply and patient acceptability was excellent. The greatest depth of tissue necrosis achieved was 3.1 mm but the mean depth of necrosis was only 2.2 mm. Therefore the use of this instrument cannot be recommended for the treatment of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia.