ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Our objective was to determine whether colposcopy can be performed with surgical-type loupes. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test reports were examined with 6× loupes supplied by Designs For Vision, Inc. (Ronkonkoma, NY) and with a standard Zeiss Colposcope (Model OM-1). Comparisons between the two instruments were made for colposcopic impression and final histological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Kappa test. RESULTS: Comparison of the two methods of examination demonstrated excellent agreement (κ = .86) with Pap smear and biopsy results. CONCLUSIONS: We decided that surgical loupes are adequate for colposcopic examination.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Our objective was to describe our experience in using a newly designed surgical loupe as a substitute device for colposcopy. METHODS: Eighty-two patients were examined with a prototype surgical loupe. The instrument has a self-contained halogen light source, allows for 6× and 10× magnification, and has a green filter. Colposcopic impression within one degree of the histological diagnosis was considered in agreement. The colposcopic impression using the new instrument was compared to biopsy diagnoses. RESULTS: Colposcopic impressions with this new instrument agreed with final histological diagnoses in 93% of cases. The instrument was easy to use. CONCLUSION: The 6× to 10× surgical loupe is comfortable to use. Correlation with final pathological evaluation is comparable to standard colposcopic instruments. A trial of this instrument against a standard colposcope is ongoing.