COMPARISON OF CERVICAL BIOPSY USING PUNCH BIOPSY FORCEPS VERSUS LOOP ELECTRODE

Context: The biopsy of cervix can be obtained by various methods with availability of newer modalities like loop electrode. Objectives: To compare the histo-pathological parameters and clinical outcome of cervical biopsy obtained using punch biopsy forceps versus loop electrode. Methods: Women attending OPD were screened for cervical pathology, and colposcopy was done for those who screened positive. Patients who required cervical biopsy after colposcopy were allocated into 2 group; one undergoing LEEP biopsy and other half biopsied with Punch forceps. During procedure patients were evaluated for the intra–op pain and bleeding and their severity. The histo- pathological diagnosis was carried out and the sample was studied for its size, adequacy, and presence of any thermal or crush artefacts. Result: The two methods of biopsy were comparable in intra-op parameters, except for the increased requirement for additional haemostasis in LEEP biopsy. There was no case of bleeding from biopsy site at the follow-up visit. LEEP biopsy was associated with continued vaginal discharge more often than punch biopsy. An adequate sample for histopathological diagnosis was obtained in 91.25% of all cases. The comparative findings were reflective of comparable efficacy of both methods in providing an acceptable tissue sample for diagnosis. Conclusion: After analysing and comparing the aforementioned parameters, we opined that neither method can be deemed clearly superior to the other as a cervical biopsy procedure.Keywords: Punch biopsy forceps; Loop electrode; Cervical biopsy.