Large Loop Excision Transformation Zone (LLETZ): aftercare advice

You have had treatment to your cervix. This leaflet explains:

• how you may feel after your procedure; and

• how to you should care for yourself afterwards.

If after reading this leaflet you have any questions, please contact us using the numbers at the end of this leaflet.

What will I feel?

The local anaesthetic usually wears off after about one to two hours. You can continue to take mild painkillers, as needed.

Some patients feel a little faint following treatment. You should bring someone with you to your appointment, so they can drive you home.

What will happen after treatment?

• You should expect to have some vaginal discharge / bleeding following treatment. The amount of loss varies from woman to woman, but can last for anywhere up to four weeks. The loss may be a watery discharge and / or a light blood loss. If your loss becomes excessive or smells unpleasant, you should contact your GP or the Colposcopy Clinic for advice.

• If you have a lot of bleeding out of normal working hours, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department. Out of normal hours is after 5pm and at weekends.

• Prolonged bleeding can occur. This can sometimes mean you have an infection, which may need treatment with antibiotics. You should ask for advice, as mentioned above.

• Your next period may be heavier than is usual for you.

• Some travel insurance companies will not provide you with health insurance following LLETZ. If you are going on holiday or flying within six weeks of your treatment date, check with your insurance company or re-arrange your treatment appointment.

What do I need to do after treatment?

• Avoid using tampons for four weeks after treatment, to allow the treated area to heal.

• Avoid sex for four weeks after treatment, to allow the treated area to heal and reduce the risk of infection.

• Avoid swimming for two weeks following treatment, to reduce the risk of infection.

• Tell your midwife you have had a LLETZ procedure, during any future pregnancies.

When will I get my results?

We will write to you as soon as your results are available, usually two to four weeks after treatment. Your GP is also be sent a copy.

Will I need a follow-up appointment?

You will be told if you need a follow-up appointment before you leave hospital or in your results letter. Your doctor may advise you to attend the clinic again or to have more frequent smears at your GP surgery.

If you need a further visit to the Colposcopy Clinic, you will have a follow-up cervical smear. The doctor / nurse specialist will repeat the colposcopy assessment. This checks that your cervix has healed following treatment and that no abnormal cells remain. If we do find any remaining abnormal cells, we may need to take biopsies or arrange further treatment. Your nurse or doctor will discuss this with you at the appointment.

If you have any questions before or after your treatment, please contact the Colposcopy Clinic.

Useful telephone numbers

• Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Colposcopy Suite: 01227 783107

• Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
  Colposcopy Secretary: 01843 234334

• William Harvey Hospital, Ashford (also for Buckland Hospital patients)
  Colposcopy Secretary: 01233 616700
  Please note the secretary works Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm