Presence of Positive Resection Margins, Hypooestrogenism and Specimen Volume May Influence Risk of Disease Recurrence in Patients With High-grade Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia Undergoing Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone

Objectives: To identify factors associated with disease recurrence in patients with high-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) undergoing large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).

Study Design: A case-control study that included 103 patients. Patients were included in the study if they had a history of surgery for conization by LLETZ for the histopathological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades II and III (CIN II and CIN III). Follow-up exams were conducted every six months with Pap smear collection and colposcopic examination with biopsy, when necessary, for a minimum period of twelve months. Cure was defined as a normal follow-up examination within 24 months. During follow-up, relapse occurred when cytology and/or biopsy results showed that CIN had returned after 12 months, at which time a new cervical conization by LLETZ was performed.