Reproducibility of colposcopy quality indicators-A survey among members of the European Federation for Colposcopy.

INTRODUCTION: Colposcopy is an important part of the diagnostic work-up of women with an abnormal cervical screening test as it is used to guide the collection of biopsies. Although quality assurance has been used in the evaluation of screening programs, not much is known about quality indicators for the diagnostics and treatment of screen-positive women. Therefore, the European Federation for Colposcopy developed quality indicators aiming to support colposcopy practice across Europe. We performed a survey of colposcopy cases to determine if the quality indicators are understandable, relevant, and reproducible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a survey among all members of the European Federation for Colposcopy Quality and Standards Group from November 2022 to March 2023. Members were asked to collect information on a total of 17 quality indicators for 50 women who had been newly referred for colposcopy due to an abnormal screening test between January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Results were reported descriptively. RESULTS: We included data on 609 cases from 12 members across Europe. The majority of the quality indicators were either achieved or within reach of the agreed standard, often due to few countries with outlying data. One quality indicator had very low performance, although stratified results indicated that two countries had different clinical management of the patient type thereby skewing the results. In addition, discrepancies between the number of cases included in each quality indicator raised concerns regarding potential misunderstanding of the quality indicator and its objective. CONCLUSIONS: Quality indicators on colposcopy must be understandable to those collecting data, highlighting the importance of validating quality indicators before data collection.

Dynamic Spectral Imaging Colposcopy Versus Regular Colposcopy in Women Referred With High-Grade Cytology: A Nonrandomized Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of dynamic spectral imaging (DSI) colposcopy compared with regular colposcopy for women referred with high-grade cervical cytology. METHODS: In a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study, we included women referred for colposcopy at hospital gynecology clinics with high-grade cytology. Women were examined using either a regular or DSI colposcope. In both groups, colposcopists located 1 area viewed as most suspicious. In the DSI group, this was done before viewing the DSI map. Subsequently, an area was chosen based on the worst color of the DSI map, and further additional biopsies were taken. All women had 4 cervical biopsies taken, all analyzed separately. The main outcome was sensitivity to find cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). RESULTS: A total of 261 women were examined using DSI colposcopy, and 156 women were examined using regular colposcopy. The sensitivity for finding CIN2+ when using the DSI technology as an adjunctive technology was found to be 82.2% (95% CI = 75.9-87.4), based on an average of 1.4 biopsies. This was corresponding in sensitivity to 2 biopsies taken using regular colposcopy (80.3%; 95% CI = 72.3-86.8). There was no difference in sensitivity for CIN+ between the groups when 3 or more biopsies were taken. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the DSI colposcope may help direct biopsy placement; however, the improvement is based on small differences in needed biopsies and the clinical significance of this may be small. Multiple biopsies were still superior.

Evaluation of guidelines for observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 in young women.

BACKGROUND: A high rate of regression in young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 has been recorded. However, there are few prospective data by which to evaluate management guidelines. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology recommendations for follow-up of young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 using data created by a large prospective multicenter study of observational management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were 616 women under 25 years with biopsy-diagnosed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 following a referral to colposcopy for an abnormal smear with no previous high-grade abnormality. The protocol included colposcopy, cytology, and colposcopically directed biopsy at the initial visit and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups visits, and these data were analyzed. Histology from the corresponding cervical biopsy was treated as the reference diagnostic test. For young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2, we aimed to determine the following: (1) the ability of colposcopy to identify women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse at 6 months; and (2) the ability of colposcopy, cytology, and a combination of cytology and colposcopy to identify residual high-grade abnormalities at 12 months. In addition, although not specified in the guidelines, we investigated the ability of high-risk human papillomavirus positivity alone or with cytology as a co-test to identify residual high-grade abnormalities at 12 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3+ colposcopic appearance identified only 28% (95% confidence interval, 18-40%) of women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3. At 12 months, a high-grade colposcopic appearance identified only 58% (95% confidence interval, 48-68%) of women with residual histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3. At 12 months, high-grade cytology identified only 58% (95% confidence interval, 48-68%) of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3. However, the combination of either high-grade cytology or colposcopic appearance proved substantially more sensitive (81%; 95% confidence interval, 72-88%). High-risk human papillomavirus positivity at 12 months was a sensitive (96%; 95% confidence interval, 89-99%) indicator of persisting high-grade histology. However, this sensitivity came at the expense of specificity (52%; 95% confidence interval, 45-58%). A co-test of high-risk human papillomavirus positivity or high-grade cytology at 12 months provided a high sensitivity (97%; 95% confidence interval, 90-99%) but low specificity (51%; 95% confidence interval, 45%-58%). CONCLUSION: Colposcopy and cytology are limited in their ability to exclude persistent high-grade abnormality for young women undergoing observational management for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2. We recommend biopsy for all women at 12 months. High-risk human papillomavirus positivity is a sensitive indicator of persistent abnormality and should be considered in those not having a biopsy.

The impact of age and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) status on the prevalence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) in women with persistent hrHPV-positive, cytology-negative screening samples: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) in women referred to colposcopy with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) cytology-negative screening sample according to hrHPV genotype, age at referral and colposcopic performance. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single colposcopy clinic linked to a population-based screening programme. POPULATION: Women referred with persistent hrHPV cytology-negative routine screening samples. METHODS: Prospective study with descriptive statistics from a single colposcopy unit between June 2014 and July 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of hrHPV genotypes and CIN2+, positive predictive value for colposcopic impression, and inadequate colposcopic examinations. RESULTS: A total of 3107 women were referred. Prevalence of CIN2+ was highest for persistent HPV16 infections (10.7%) compared with HPV18 (3.6%) or HPVO (4.7%). Prevalence of CIN2+ declined with age (25-34 years 14.2% to 55-64 years 1.1%) whereas the percentage of women with an inadequate colposcopic examination increased (25-34 years 0.9% to 55-64 years 29.5%). High-grade colposcopic impression fell over time during the study from 16.1 to 5.1%. The positive predictive value for colposcopic impression of CIN2+ was affected by hrHPV genotype (57.3% for HPV16 versus 32.1% for nonHPV16). The adjunctive use of electrical impedance spectroscopy detected an extra 42 cases of CIN2+, which was irrespective of hrHPV genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Primary hrHPV cervical screening increases detection of CIN2+; however, low specificity results in more women being referred to colposcopy with a low prevalence of CIN2+. Colposcopy performs poorly in some groups, particularly with HPVO infections and women over 50 years of age. An appropriate threshold for referral to colposcopy in primary hrHPV screening has not been established. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Low prevalence of CIN2+ in HPV-positive negative cytology samples. HPV genotype, age and prevalence of CIN2+ affect colposcopic performance.

A sustainable model for raising colposcopy expertise in low-to-middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of training low-to-middle-income countries' local healthcare providers using the Train-the-trainers model in basic colposcopy for cervical cancer prevention. METHOD: This project was designed based on a philosophy known as Train-the-trainers which train proficient colposcopists and a cadre of local trainers who can continue to train and maintain their expertise in a self-sustaining system. The Train-the-trainers workshop is a 1-day program that focuses on three domains; knowledge, communication, and practical skills. Trainer candidates were given pre-course reading assignments and presentation decks. The expert trainers provided feedback on their presentations and tips on communication skills. The practical aspects of the training are supported by proficiency at the Loop Electro-excision procedure simulator and their responses to frequently asked questions. RESULTS: Sixteen physicians from Vietnam attended the Colposcopy Workshop in 2018 and are used as controls. Eleven attended a workshop conducted by trainer candidates who went through the training program outlined above in 2019. A Wilcoxon Signed-ranks test indicated that differences between pre- and post-quizzes' scores were statistically significant in both the 2018 (Z=4.21, P=0.003, r=1.26) and 2019 cohorts (Z=3.558, P<0.001, r=0.89) while Mann-Whitney U test did not detect the difference between the 2018 and 2019 cohorts, U=70.0, P=0.359, r=0.176. The subjective feedback scores from Year 2019 were similar to scores to Year 2018. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data did not highlight any differences between lectures delivered by expert trainers and lectures delivered by trainer candidates trained in the program. Train-the- trainers might be a more sustainable model for organically raising expertise to effectively provide cervical cancer screening and prevention in low-to-middle-income countries.

Perioperative Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy Based on Route of Concurrent Hysterectomy: A Secondary Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISCP) based on 4 different routes of concurrent hysterectomy: vaginal (VH), laparoscopic-assisted (LAVH), laparoscopic supracervical (LSCH), and total laparoscopic (TLH). DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. A secondary analysis of the 2006-2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was performed analyzing women who underwent concurrent hysterectomy with MISCP based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. We excluded open abdominal hysterectomies. We compared outcomes between VH, LAVH, LSCH, and TLH including operative time, length of hospital stay, a composite outcome of 30-day postoperative adverse events, readmission, or reoperation. A logistic regression model was used to correct for pre-identified potential confounding variables. A minimum detectable effect analysis was planned. SETTING: Hospitals participating in the NSQIP program. PATIENTS: Women who underwent hysterectomy with MISCP. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 524 women underwent hysterectomy with MISCP including VH in 31 (5.9%), LAVH in 40 (7.6%), LSCH in 322 (61.5%), and TLH in 131 (25%). The VH group had a higher incidence of ≥4 concurrent CPT codes (71% vs 27% in other groups, p = .03). Operative times differed significantly between groups (p < .01): TLH had the shortest operating time (171.43 ± 83.77 minutes). There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay, rate of reoperation, 30-day readmission, or the composite outcome (p = .8). Route of hysterectomy was not associated with increased composite outcome on adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% CI 0.3-3.99, p = .88). A minimum detectable effect analysis indicated that this study population had 80% power to detect an OR of 5.07 or greater between the different routes of hysterectomy during concomitant MISCP for the composite 30-day outcome. CONCLUSION: Regardless of route of concurrent hysterectomy, MISCP is associated with low rates of 30-day complications, reoperation, and readmission.

Performance Indicators for Colposcopy in Ontario.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the delivery of colposcopy assessments and treatments in Ontario from 2009 to 2017 according to specific performance measures, derived from guidelines on colposcopy use. METHODS: This population-based descriptive analysis included screen-eligible women ages 21 to 69 in Ontario who underwent cervical screening between 2009 and 2017. Performance measures that describe the quality of colposcopy services in the province were calculated. RESULTS: Five performance measures were used to assess the use of colposcopy in Ontario from 2009 to 2017. From 2013 to 2017, the percentage of women seen for colposcopy after a first diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), without evidence of repeat cytology, remained stable, ranging from 5.9% to 6.3%. The median wait time to colposcopy for atypical glandular cells (AGC), atypical squamous cells (ASC-H), cannot rule out high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), remained relatively stable from 2013 to 2017. In addition, the percentage of women with high-grade Pap test results who were seen in colposcopy within 6 months increased from 74.7% to 83.5%. The percentage of women who were not seen in follow-up within 12 months after treatment for cervical dysplasia remained stable, as did the percentage of women who discontinued colposcopy after three normal Pap test results following treatment for cervical dysplasia. CONCLUSION: This study developed five performance indicators and used them to assess the delivery of colposcopic services in Ontario from 2009 to 2017. Performance indicators have previously been used effectively in the field of colorectal cancer screening to identify strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of healthcare services. This had never previously been done in colposcopy.

Cervical Colposcopy: Indications and Risk Assessment.

The practice of colposcopy, a diagnostic procedure to evaluate for vaginal, vulvar, and cervical dysplasia, has evolved to incorporate patient risk factors for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. Changes in cervical cancer screening and guidelines, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination recommendations, and colposcopy standards from the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) have implications for all primary care clinicians, not only those who perform colposcopies. Primary care clinicians should offer HPV vaccination to all patients between the ages of nine and 26, in addition to cervical cancer screening and follow-up guidance. Primary care clinicians should recognize the degrees of risk of high-grade CIN and cancer conferred by cytology, HPV subtype, and persistence of HPV infection. Clinicians should address modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, and provide counseling to patients about colposcopy based on their individual risks. Clinicians should conduct shared decision-making about immediate loop electrosurgical excision procedure vs. colposcopy with multiple biopsies and endocervical sampling for patients with the highest risk of cervical cancer, and for patients who are older than 25 years with at least two of the following: HPV-16, HPV-18, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology. Primary care clinicians should be familiar with the 2019 ASCCP guidelines and develop clinic-based systems to ensure appropriate follow-up of abnormal cytology, positive high-risk HPV testing, diagnosed CIN, and cervical cancer. Patients with an abnormal cervical cancer screening history require surveillance, which differs from routine screening for patients with normal prior screening results. Long-term surveillance is recommended for patients with CIN 2 or worse.

Colposcopic scoring indexes in the evaluation of cervical lesions with the cytological result of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade lesion.

AIM: Colposcopic indexes including Reid index and Swede score were developed to make the colposcopy more objective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the significance of colposcopic indexes in the evaluation of ASC-H cervical lesions. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology between January 2013 and December 2018. The study included 535 women, from which 66 women had a cytological result ASC-H. Scoring of all colposcopic findings was assessed according to Reid modified index and Swede score and a composite score was determined. Frequency distributions were compared using χ2 /Fisher exact test. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was computed between RCI and Swede score. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and positive likelihood ratio of modified Reid colposcopic index at a cutoff of ≥4 for the detection of HSIL+ lesions were: 86.11% (95% CI: 70.5-95.3), 83.33% (95% CI: 65.3-94.4), 86.11% (95% CI: 69.7-94.8), 83.33% (95% CI: 64.5-93.7) and 5.17 (95% CI: 2.3-11.6). Swede score with the cutoff value ≥5 showed comparable results to modified Reid index with the increased sensitivity: 94.44% (95% CI: 81.3-99.3). CONCLUSION: ASC-H category represents the trickiest cytological diagnosis as it is underlined with the high risk of severe cervical dysplasia. Evaluating the cervical lesion by the use of colposcopic indices helps the gynecologist to objectively evaluate all the pathologies of uterine cervix. Swede score with the cutoff value 8 also enables a 'see and treat' option in management of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade lesions.

High resolution multispectral endoscopy significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Colposcopy is a visual technique to examine the cervix and determine selection of sites for biopsies and eligibility for treatment. It's always been a critical part of identifying preinvasive and early invasive cervical carcinoma. Unfortunately, challenges exist with regards to the accuracy of traditional colposcopy. Hence, to fully exploit the benefit of increasing diagnostic sensitivity, there is a pressing need to improve the performance of colposcopy by applying novel innovations and techniques. In this case report, we used a recently developed, high-resolution multispectral endoscopy and evaluated its performance by comparing colposcopic image features (the vascular pattern, in particular, depending upon the improved optics and illumination) with histology results. High-resolution multispectral endoscopy makes it easier to distinguish the features of pathological vessels, so that it has a higher sensitivity and specificity to detect cervical lesions, especially in discriminating the vascular pattern using multispectral technology.

Is There a Place for the Introduction of Colposcopy Quality Standards?

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to examine the degree of compliance with international quality measures for colposcopy in Israel, which does not currently have formal guidelines and to compare the achievement of quality measures between clinical settings. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study, in a hospital, a community clinic, and 2 private colposcopy clinics in Israel, including women aged 18-70 years presenting for colposcopy after abnormal Pap results. Compliance was compared between clinical sites regarding 6 international standards: documentation of reason for referral, type of transformation zone, biopsy location, and grade; proportion of women with high-degree cytological abnormalities (atypical squamous cells - cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and above) receiving a colposcopy within 4 weeks; and the positive predictive value of colposcopy to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and above. RESULTS: Documentation of reason for referral (1.3% of target), transformation zone type (22.6% of target), biopsy location (18% of target), and lesion grade (31% of target) all failed to meet international standards, as did the proportion of patients with high-degree cytological abnormalities who underwent colposcopy within 4 weeks (32.9% of the target). The positive predictive value of colposcopy exceeded standards (30% above target). Differences existed between clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: In Israel, there is a considerable shortfall in performance and documentation of most international quality measures for colposcopy. Quality measures for cervical examinations and colposcopy should be considered for inclusion in the National Program for Quality Measures.

Development of the Patient's Experience and Attitude Colposcopy Eindhoven Questionnaire (PEACE-q).

BACKGROUND: No validated instruments for the evaluation of patient satisfaction in colposcopy do exist. Therefore, this study reports on the development of a Patient's Experience and Attitude to Colposcopy questionnaire. METHODS: Patients who recently received colposcopy participated in a focus group. A panel of experts evaluated the transcriptions and agreed on a 15-item draft questionnaire. The draft questionnaire was completed by 68 women who subsequently came for a colposcopy. For construct validation, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed as well as reliability analysis. Concurrent validity was assessed with the 4-item Patient Health questionnaire (PHQ-4). RESULTS: Construct validation resulted in an 8-item patient perception scale with good psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha: 0.76) and excellent model fit. Two subscales could be discriminated: patient procedure perception scale (alpha: 0.89) and caregiver attitude perception scale (alpha: 0.71). Both subscales intercorrelated moderately (r = 0.28, p = 0.045). The subscale patient perception correlated significantly with the PHQ-4 scale and its anxiety subscale, not with the depression subscale. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a Patient's Experience and Attitude to Colposcopy questionnaire with adequate psychometric properties. Future application in out-patient clinics should further evaluate its clinical relevance.

Outcomes of minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy with resident operative involvement.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Resident involvement in complex surgeries is under scrutiny with increasing attention paid to health care efficiency and quality. Outcomes of urogynecological surgery with resident involvement are poorly described. We hypothesized that resident surgical involvement does not influence perioperative outcomes in minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC). METHODS: Using the 2006-2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified 450 cases of laparoscopic or robotic ASC performed with resident involvement. Resident operative participation was stratified by experience (junior [PGY 1-3] vs senior level [PGY ≥4]). The primary outcome was operative time, and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the effects of resident involvement and experience. Chi-squared analyses were used to assess the relationship between resident participation with length of stay (LOS) and 30-day complications and readmissions. RESULTS: Residents participated in 74% (n = 334) of these surgeries, and these cases were significantly longer (median 220 vs 195 min, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, senior level resident involvement was associated with longer operative times across all time intervals compared with <2 h (2 to ≤4 h relative risk reduction [RRR] 4.1, p = 0.007, CI 1.47-11.40; 4 to ≤6 h RRR 6.6, p = 0.001, CI 2.23-19.44; ≥6 h RRR 4.7, p = 0.020, CI 1.28-17.43). Resident participation was not associated with LOS, readmissions, or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Senior level resident involvement in minimally invasive ASC is associated with longer operative times, with no association with LOS or adverse perioperative outcomes. The educational benefit of surgical training does not adversely affect patient outcomes for ASC.

Vaginal Sacral Colpopexy: A Natural Orifice Approach to a Gold Standard Procedure.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: A transvaginal approach to sacral colpopexy has a natural appeal to those interested in minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. Development of an effective technique has been frustrated because of the technical difficulty of confining the dissection and placement of mesh to the retroperitoneal space. The objective of this prospective study is to describe the technique and report the outcomes of a transvaginal, retroperitoneal sacral colpopexy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Design classification II-2). SETTING: Urogynecology of Southern Alabama private practice. PATIENTS: Women with stage 2 or greater apical prolapse. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical repair of apical prolapse using vaginal sacral colpopexy. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Over a 1-year period, 15 posthysterectomy patients with stage 2 or greater vaginal prolapse were recruited and consented to vaginal sacral colpopexy. Primary outcome was success of the repair, with success defined as a combination of objective and subjective parameters using pelvic organ prolapse quantification measures, and quality of life questionnaires. Secondary outcomes were complications and operating time. One case converted to a native tissue repair. The vaginal sacral colpopexy was completed in the remaining 14. Eleven patients have been followed for 1 year or longer. Two patients did not return after their 6-week examination because of chronic illness. They were contacted by telephone over 2 years after the surgery and expressed total satisfaction with the operation and the outcome. One patient was seen at 3 months and was noted to have an excellent anatomic result; however, a pelvic organ prolapse quantification evaluation was not done. She has been totally lost to further follow-up. There was 1 mechanical failure in which the titanium tacks securing the apex to the anterior longitudinal ligament dislodged and a second case with a stage 2 posterior compartment defect. One incidental cystotomy, and 1 incidental proctotomy occurred. These were both small, remote from the site of the vaginal mesh, and did not prevent completion of the procedure. There were no mesh-related complications. Mean operating time was 123 minutes. CONCLUSION: In this small pilot study, a transvaginal retroperitoneal sacral colpopexy is described and is demonstrated to be feasible and safe. Based on the experience gained, changes in technique have been implemented to prevent future mechanical tack failures. Assuming that these changes will be successful in preventing apical recurrence due to dislodgement of mesh from the anterior longitudinal ligament, a larger study is planned to determine efficacy. Inherent advantages of the transvaginal approach are discussed, including a favorable morbidity profile, full access to all compartments, short operating times, and decreased costs.

Comparison of Keyes Punch Biopsy Instrument with Cervical Punch Biopsy Forceps for Diagnosing Cervical Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of Keyes punch biopsy instrument (KP) in diagnosing cervical lesions and compare it with cervical punch biopsy forceps (CP). METHODS: 75 women having satisfactory colposcopy with abnormal transformation zone were included and paired colposcopic directed biopsies were taken using KP followed by CP from the same target area. RESULTS: It was feasible in all cases to take cervical biopsy with KP after increasing its effective length. The volume of gross specimen obtained by KP was less than CP (0.076 ± 0.097 vs. 0.101 ± 0.156 cm3, p = 0.061), however on microscopic examination, mean length and mean depth of tissue in KP was greater than CP by 0.06 mm (p = 0.810) and 0.14 mm (p = 0.634) respectively. Exact agreement was found with the final surgical specimen in 42% of cases in both the biopsy forceps. CONCLUSION: KP is almost at par with CP for diagnosing preinvasive cervical lesions and is a useful adjunct to the existing armamentarium of biopsy forceps.

Analysis of clinical factors correlated with the accuracy of colposcopically directed biopsy.

PURPOSE: Many factors affect the accuracy of colposcopically directed biopsy (CDB). This study aimed to compare the histological results of CDB with those of cone specimens and to determine clinical factors associated with the accuracy of CDB in defining the extent and severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. METHODS: We studied 513 patients diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by CDB who underwent conization between September 2012 and December 2016. We retrospectively evaluated the agreement between histological results on biopsies and cone specimens and analyzed factors influencing the accuracy of the results. RESULTS: The overall agreement between the histological results on biopsy and the corresponding cone specimens was 74.1%; underestimation occurred in 6.4% of cases. The agreement between histological results on biopsy and cone specimen was 54.5% for low-grade lesions, 78.2% for high-grade lesions, and 28.9% for microinvasive cervical cancer. The overall agreement between high-grade cytology and the final histological diagnosis was 86.7%. By univariate analysis, patient age (p = 0.026), menopausal status (p = 0.018), type of transformation zone (p = 0.003), number of biopsies (p = 0.002), and cone width (p = 0.015) were found to be associated with the accuracy of CDB. However, multivariate logistic regression revealed that cone width (p = 0.044) was the only independent factor correlated with CDB accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that old age (≥50), postmenopausal status, and transformation zone type 3 might be positively associated with the under-diagnosis of CDB. Three or more biopsies and cone width ≥21 mm might improve CDB accuracy. However, cone width was the only independent factor correlated with CDB accuracy.

Evidence-Based Consensus Recommendations for Colposcopy Practice for Cervical Cancer Prevention in the United States.

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of colposcopy and directed biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States (US). The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. An extensive literature review was conducted and supplemented by a systematic review and meta-analysis of unpublished data. In addition, a survey of practicing colposcopists was conducted to assess current colposcopy practice in the US. Recommendations were approved by the working group members, and the final revisions were made based on comments received from the public. The recommendations cover terminology, risk-based colposcopy, colposcopy procedures, and colposcopy adjuncts. The ASCCP Colposcopy Standards recommendations are an important step toward raising the standard of colposcopy services delivered to women in the US. Because cervical cancer screening programs are currently undergoing important changes that may affect colposcopy performance, updates to some of the current recommendations may be necessary in the future.

ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: Risk-Based Colposcopy Practice.

OBJECTIVES: The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. This article describes the rationale, evidence, and recommendations related to risk-based colposcopy practice. RESULTS: Women referred to colposcopy have a wide range of underlying precancer risk, which can be estimated by referral screening tests including cytology and human papillomavirus testing, in conjunction with the colposcopic impression. Multiple targeted biopsies, at least 2 and up to 4, are recommended to improve detection of prevalent precancers. At the lowest end of the risk spectrum, untargeted biopsies are not recommended, and women with a completely normal colposcopic impression can be observed. At the highest end of the risk spectrum, immediate treatment is an alternative to biopsy confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing the risk of cervical precancer at the colposcopy visit allows for modification of colposcopy procedures consistent with a woman's risk. Implementation of these recommendations is expected to lead to improved detection of cervical precancers at colposcopy, while providing more reassurance of negative colposcopy results.

ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: Colposcopy Quality Improvement Recommendations for the United States.

OBJECTIVES: The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy and biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. The ASCCP Quality Improvement Working Group developed evidence-based guidelines to promote best practices and reduce errors in colposcopy and recommended indicators to measure colposcopy quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The working group performed a systematic review of existing major society and national guidelines and quality indicators. An initial list of potential quality indicators was developed and refined through successive iterative discussions, and draft quality indicators were proposed. The draft recommendations were then reviewed and commented on by the entire Colposcopy Standards Committee, posted online for public comment, and presented at the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy 2017 World Congress for further comment. All comments were considered, additional adjustments made, and the final recommendations approved by the entire Task Force. RESULTS: Eleven quality indicators were selected spanning documentation, biopsy protocols, and time intervals between index screening tests and completion of diagnostic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed quality indicators are intended to serve as a starting point for quality improvement in colposcopy at a time when colposcopy volume is decreasing and individual procedures are becoming technically more difficult to perform.

ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: How Do We Perform Colposcopy? Implications for Establishing Standards.

OBJECTIVES: The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy and biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. Working group 3 defined colposcopy procedure guidelines for minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice and evaluated the use of colposcopy adjuncts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The working group performed a systematic literature review to identify best practices in colposcopy methodology and to evaluate the use of available colposcopy adjuncts. The literature provided little evidence to support specific elements of the procedure. The working group, therefore, implemented a national survey of current and recent ASCCP members to evaluate common elements of the colposcopy examination. The findings of this survey were modified by expert consensus from the ASCCP Colposcopy Standards Committee members to create guidelines for performing colposcopy. The draft recommendations were posted online for public comment and presented at an open session of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy 2017 World Congress for further comment. All comments were considered in the development of final recommendations. RESULTS: Minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice guidelines were developed. These guidelines represent recommended practice in all parts of the examination including the following: precolposcopy evaluation, performing the procedure, documentation of findings, biopsy practice, and postprocedure follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines are intended to serve as a guide to standardize colposcopy across the United States.