Colposcopy

Often, at a gynecologist’s appointment, patients are offered to carry out this technique. An unfamiliar word is often very frightening, causing a lot of questions. What is this procedure and why is it needed?

Brief information

This is a gynecological method for the study of female genital organs. This is a direct examination of the internal structures of the reproductive sphere under magnification. With the help of a special apparatus of the optical plan, such a procedure becomes possible – the increase occurs several tens of times.

This examination technique is referred to as purely medical procedures, because it is performed exclusively by a doctor for the purpose of additional examination of mucous structures. The method is really unique and in demand – it allows you to identify minimal primary changes that cannot be noticed when viewed with the naked eye.

O colposcope

This is a microscope, which is specially designed for non-contact examination. The device has a fairly simple structure. The doctor freely installs the device near the patient, choosing its most convenient location for better study.

The optical part of the device is a prismatic binoculars with interchangeable eyepieces. The stereoscopic part of the device is equipped with an additional illuminator.

Tasks method

The procedure is widely used in modern practice, because it is a quick and affordable way to identify lesions, to conduct a general assessment of the condition of the mucosa. The technique allows you to take smears and biopsy for further diagnosis.

Indications for the procedure

When is the procedure applied? Doctors often prescribe colposcopy to clarify the genesis of a particular process. It may be an incomprehensible reddish speck, a strange neoplasm. The technique is prescribed if, according to the cytological examination, rather abnormal, even abnormal data are obtained. Colposcopy is always applicable for confirmed papillomatosis, before performing a biopsy.

It is better not to delay the procedure. Timely diagnosis of the slightest changes will prevent the development of a serious, deadly disease.

Manipulation is performed to determine the need for a biopsy. The method of diagnosis during pregnancy is mandatory. It will not cause any harm to the unborn baby, but it will allow you to control the condition of the pregnant woman.

manipulation technique

The procedure is performed in a supine position. The patient lies on a gynecological chair. The doctor places a special mirror in the vagina for subsequent examination of the mucous membrane with a colposcope. During the procedure, it is possible to bring the device closer or further away, shake the mirror, and clear the channel from secretions. It is important to note that the device itself remains outside. It is placed at a distance, so there will definitely not be any uncomfortable, let alone painful sensations.

What is being assessed?

First of all, the relief of mucous structures is always examined and evaluated. The color of tissues, the nature and characteristics of the vessels, the structure and development of the glands are taken into account. When identifying atypical neoplasms, their structure and boundaries are clearly studied. This kind of inspection by magnification is more effective.

Moreover, against the background of colposcopy, there is often a need to collect diagnostic material. Even the diagnostic minimum of colposcopy stands out. We are talking about the study of urogenital secretions, cytological data. Materials are taken under the control of the apparatus – the technique is highly accurate. The procedure is completely painless. With the help of special brushes, epithelial structures are taken from 2 places. The cervical canal and the surface of the cervix itself are best suited. If dysplastic changes are detected, an additional, targeted sampling is carried out from the most altered areas. The technique allows to more accurately diagnose the degree and intensity of the lesion.

Preparation for colposcopy

No preparation is needed immediately before the procedure. It is not carried out during menstruation and in the middle of the cycle itself. It is best to perform the procedure 2-4 days after the end of menstruation or before it starts.

On the eve, you should not douche, refuse sexual intercourse. Tampons should also not be used.

Varieties of methodology

A simple examination with a colposcope is the most common. It is, in fact, a simple, purely survey colposcopy.

Sometimes such a study is not enough, many experts consider it ineffective for diagnosing complex lesions. For a better, in-depth diagnosis, additional samples are used. In such cases, colposcopy turns into an extended one. There is an additional colpomicroscopy – histological diagnosis of the vagina. So you can accurately determine the pathological changes. The results of the histological and colpomicroscopic methods of diagnosing have the maximum percentage of matches.

In addition, in many private centers and clinics, the achievements of the survey have gone further. There was an opportunity to conduct video colposcopy. During the diagnostics, the image is displayed on the screen, it becomes possible to take pictures, record video procedures. The patient sees the progress of the procedure in parallel with the doctor.

Colposcopic tests

During the extended study, a number of diagnostic tests are used to objectively assess and diagnose serious lesions. These include:

1. Acetic acid test. After application, it can cause a burning sensation in the vagina, which will quickly pass. You can clearly see the border between the flat and cylindrical epithelium.
2. Schiller’s test with Lugol’s solution. It is used exclusively in the absence of a reaction to iodine. Normal squamous epithelium stains uniformly brown, abnormal areas stain weakly.

For further histological examination, elements are taken during a biopsy.

At the end of the study, the doctor must fill out a colposcopy protocol with a preliminary conclusion. The patient is given recommendations for clinical examination or therapy.

Is there a danger in the procedure?

The technique is completely safe and painless. With an extended technique, a minimal burning sensation from contact with acidic elements may occur. Rarely, complications may occur during the procedure. These include severe bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, infection. Therefore, if chills, fever, severe pain in the lower abdomen occur after the procedure, urgent medical care is important.

Contraindications for manipulation

This kind of procedure is completely safe, because it does not harm the body in any way. I often prescribe it even during the period of bearing a baby. There are no special contraindications to the implementation of the research technique.

The only limitation is that the procedure is never performed in the early postpartum period (usually the first months after childbirth). The procedure is not recommended immediately after destructive or surgical therapy of the uterus. But these contraindications are only temporary.

There is only one absolute contraindication – intolerance to acetic acid or the iodine element.

The effectiveness of the technique

Today, such a manipulation is rightfully considered accurate in terms of studying endometriosis, polyposis, oncoprocesses and precancerous conditions.

Normally, the epithelial area is light pink, shiny and smooth. Benign changes are characterized by true erosion, ectopia.

After the procedure

It often happens that a few days there is a slight bleeding. Douching is not recommended until the condition stabilizes. You should not use tampons, you should refrain from sexual intercourse.

It is important to understand that only after a comprehensive examination is it possible to make a final diagnosis. Colposcopy with a cytological component only allows you to understand the essence of the problem, but these methods are not enough for the diagnosis. It is important to conduct a comprehensive survey to understand the global nature of the process.

The technique is really in demand, it allows not only to diagnose, but to plan further tactics for treating the cervix, if necessary, to correctly interpret the norm and pathology.