LLETZ as an office Procedure – What do you expect?

LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) is a highly effective procedure used to remove precancerous cervical cells before they can progress into cervical cancer. We perform this treatment as an outpatient under local anaesthesia, making it a safe, precise, and convenient option for women requiring early intervention.

We believe that performing LLETZ under local anaesthetic in a clinic setting yields comparable success rates in fully removing abnormal cervical tissue and carries similarly low complication rates compared to inpatient surgery under general anaesthesia.

Outpatient vs Theatre procedure

Feature	Outpatient treatment	Theatre procedure
Anaesthesia	Local (awake), Penthrox spray	General (asleep)
Time in facility	30-45 minutes	Half to full day
Fasting	No	Minimum 6 hours fasting before surgery
Recovery	Immediate walkout with an accompanying person and minimal downtime	Requires a recovery room stay for several hours
Cost and efficiency	Highly cost-effective	Higher costs due to theatre fees, anaesthesiologist fees, and bed stays.

What to expect during an Outpatient LLETZ

If you proceed with an outpatient procedure, the process is very similar to a standard colposcopy or Pap smear test:

• The Setup: You will lie back on an examination table with your legs supported, identical to a routine Pap smear or colposcopy. A speculum is inserted.
• Numbing the Area: We will use a small needle to inject a local anaesthetic into the cervix. You may feel a brief sting
• Penthrox Spray: Penthrox, widely known as the “green whistle,” is a fast-acting, self-administered inhaled analgesic used for pain relief. We recommend using that during the procedure
• The Excision: Once the cervix is completely numb and you are comfortable, a thin wire loop with an electrical current is used to swiftly remove the area of abnormal cells while simultaneously sealing the blood vessels to minimize bleeding. You will feel pressure, but you should not feel pain.

What to expect during recovery?

• Mild, period-like cramping is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• You will need to wear a sanitary pad for any subsequent spotting or discharge.
• Avoid tampons or menstrual cups, swimming, and vaginal intercourse for 4 weeks to allow the cervix to heal..
• Showering is safe.

When to Call us?

• While complications are rare, contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 or 0406651457 immediately if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour,
• .a foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• a fever
• or severe abdominal pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter medication.

Always remember to attend your follow-up appointment—usually scheduled 6 weeks later—to discuss the results and future Follow-ups.