Objective: To determine the effect of the time interval between large loop excision through the transformation zone (LLETZ) and the first subsequent cervical smear on the adequacy of the smear for cytologic interpretation and cytologic abnormality rates.
Study design: A retrospective, case-note analysis of women attending a colposcopy clinic between May 1, 1999, and March 31, 2002, who had high grade histologic lesions on their LLETZ biopsy, irrespective of the referral indication.
Results: A total of 771 women were included in the study. Negative smears were reported in 639 (82.9%); 82 (10.6%) were abnormal and 50 (6.5%) unsatisfactory. The post-LLETZ smear was performed at a median interval of 105 days (range, 48-829). A univariate logistic regression analysis did not reveal any relationship between the rate of unsatisfactory or abnormal smears and the interval since having LLETZ (p = 0.935).
Conclusion: These data do not support the traditionally held concept that performing the post-LLETZ smear before 6 months increases the rate of unsatisfactory or abnormal smears.